Rulani Mokwena faces former team Mamelodi Sundowns in high-stakes Caf Champions League clash
Rulani Mokwena (pictured) faces his former team, Mamelodi Sundowns, in a significant CAF Champions League match at Ali la Pointe Stadium, with both teams aiming for victory in a challenging group stage encounter. Picture: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Image: AFP
The Caf Champions League clash between MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns will have added significance as Rulani Mokwena takes his place on the home side bench Ali la Pointe Stadium in Douéra, Algeria, on Friday.
Mokwena, of course, left Sundowns in 2024 for Wydad AC before switching to MC Alger earlier this year.
Now Mokwena will come up his former team in the premier African competition.
Former Sundowns midfielder Bennett Mnguni said the Brazilians will have their work cut out.
Mnguni Discusses Sundowns’ Winning Mandate and Upcoming Challenge Against MC Alger
“Sundowns is a big team… we are a winning team, and we need to win at all costs. We are not a team that is used to losing, and that is the mandate,” Mnguni told SportsBoom.co.za.
“Rulani knows Sundowns as he knows himself. He knows the individuals, how to attack, and the system.”
While Mokwena being in the Alger corner will make it more difficult for the reigning Betway Premiership champions, there will be no added grudge elements to the match Mnguni believed.
“I do not think there will be a point Rulani will want to prove, and neither will Sundowns want to prove any point to him, because being a professional, you can never quite predict the future.
“MC Alger are a wounded animal, and we know how dangerous that can be. This will be the toughest team they will face in this group.”
From December 3, the Premier Soccer League will take its annual break as the teams take some hard-earned rest over the festive period.