Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena: Image via twitter @ @coach_rulani
Why Rulani Mokwena is thrilled with Pep Guardiola’s showdown
Mzansi’s ‘Pep Guardiola’ has waxed lyrical over a potential tactical showdown involving his ‘mentors’ at the forthcoming competition.
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena: Image via twitter @ @coach_rulani
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has explained why he dreams of Manchester City facing Brazil’s Flumiense FC next month. Mokwena’s interest in City is not surprising. He is thought to be a big admirer of Pep Guardiola who coaches the Premier League champions.
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Why is Mokwena likened to Pep Guardiola?
The South African’s unconventional sense of fashion and mannerism suggests he is Mzansi’s version of Guardiola. Little wonder, Mokwena commented on Guardiola. The Johannesburg-born coach took to his twitter (now X) handle to comment on City’s potential clash with Fernando Diniz-coached Fluminense FC. The two teams might meet at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup next month in Saudi Arabia.
The Sundowns coach said this after the Brazilian mentor Diniz led Fluminense to the Club World Cup finals. City will participate in the competition to run from December 12 to 22 2023.
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Mokwena’s take on dream meeting between Pep and Diniz
In reaction, Mokwena said he never imagined the Fluminense boss taking on his City’s ‘tactical’ rival.
“…Fluminense have qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the Copa [Libertadores]?” he tweeted @coach_rulani. “A match [for] these two pioneers is a reality? During my lifetime? A clash of two distinct yet similar playing styles. Positionalism be Relationalism. Tell me this is not true.”
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Fluminense edged Boca Juniors from Argentina 2-1 in extra-time to emerge as Copa Libertadores kings. The Brazilian team secured the win at the legendary Maracanã Stadium to guarantee the Club World Cup place. City will also participate in the global club football showpiece by virtue of being UEFA Champions League holders. The Club World Cup involves continental league champions from FIFA’s main football federations.
Who is who at FIFA Club World Cup?
Seven clubs will participate in the championship and these include six continental league title winners. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad already booked the place at the championship by virtue of being from host country, Saudi Arabia. Other confirmed teams are Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan. Urawa will fly the flag of the Asian Football Confederation at the competition.
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Who will represent Africa at Club World Cup?
CAF Champions League holders, Al Ahly, will represent Africa at the Club World Cup. The next edition of the competition will be the last to be played in its current format. Thereafter, there will be massive changes in the 2025 edition. FIFA says the tournament will be expanded to 32 teams.
