Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Themba Zwane has sent a passionate plea to the South African team’s fans ahead of their CAF Champions League (CAFCL) decisive group-stage meeting with MC Alger on Saturday.

The build up to the Group C match has been characterized by tension with loyalty divided considering the strong bond Rulani Mokwena, the Algerian Ligue 1 holders’ coach, has with the Betway Premiership champions.

𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡, 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗔 𝗭𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗘 👆

Masandawana, this is our moment. Let’s fill Loftus, bring the energy, and rally behind the team this weekend.

🎟️ Secure your seat on OpenTickets, and you could win a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT 👉 https://t.co/Xi3w6tJZww… pic.twitter.com/PVT1WzRWUq

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 12, 2026

Ahead of the match, Sundowns’ management suspended performance analyst Mario Masha over allegations that he leaked tactical information to Mokwena. Masha is yet to state his side of the story.

Realising what is at stake, Zwane has turned to the Pretoria-based team’s supporters urging them to play their role of a 12th man in the tie.

Zwane urges 12th man for Sundowns to play a part

The attacking midfielder, who has hardly featured for the Betway Premiership defending champions this 2025-2026 season, emphasized the importance of the team’s supporters.

In a pre-recorded video message, Zwane assured Sundowns followers, who have become increasingly anxious after a three-game winless run in the group, of a positive result from the meeting with MC Alger.

“We are asking you to come in large numbers against MC Alger. We always need you behind us. Whenever you are there, you always motivate us, and we promise that we will do our best on the day,” he said.

The match scheduled for Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria is a must-win for either side.

Sundowns must end three-game winless run

Miguel Cardoso’s side drew 1-1 against FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo last weekend in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The away draw made it three games without a win in the group following an away 2-1 loss to leaders Al Hilal Omdurman and a home two-all result against the same Sudanese opponents.

The match will be broadcast on SuperSport Channel 209 and on SABC. Kick-Off is 3pm.

In another match for the group, Al Hilal will entertain table anchors Lupopo in Kigali, Rwanda, on Saturday with the hosts needing just a draw to seal their quarterfinal berth. The Congolese side drew 1-1 with Al Hilal in the first leg.

Second-placed MC Alger trail Al Hilal by a point, hence a draw might not be enough for Mokwena’s outfit to sail through to the last-eight stage.

Themba Zwane Rallies the Yellow Nation: Mamelodi Sundowns Face Do-or-Die Clash Against MC Alger

Mamelodi Sundowns legendary playmaker and captain Themba Zwane has issued a passionate, rallying cry to the Yellow Nation. As the South African giants prepare for a season-defining CAF Champions League (CAFCL) showdown, the stakes have never been higher.

The Brazilians are set to host Algerian powerhouse MC Alger in a decisive Group C encounter this Saturday at the fortress of Loftus Versfeld Stadium. With the group wide open and qualification for the knockout stages hanging in the balance, Zwane’s plea underscores the tension and anxiety currently gripping the Chloorkop camp.

For a detailed look at the current log standings, check our CAF Champions League Group C Table.

A Match Shrouded in Tension and High Drama

The buildup to this heavyweight bout has been characterized by an unusual atmosphere of divided loyalties and psychological warfare. The return of Rulani Mokwena, the former Sundowns tactician who now helms the Algerian Ligue 1 champions, adds a layer of emotional complexity to the fixture. Mokwena shares a deep, historical bond with the Masandawana faithful and players, making this tactical battle personal.

Adding fuel to the fire are recent off-field controversies. Ahead of this critical fixture, reports emerged that Sundowns’ management suspended performance analyst Mario Masha. The suspension stems from serious allegations regarding the leaking of tactical information to Mokwena’s camp. While Masha has yet to officially state his side of the story, the “spy scandal” has heightened the paranoia and intensity surrounding the match.

Captain Zwane Calls for the “12th Man”

Realizing the magnitude of the occasion, Themba Zwane took the initiative to address the supporters directly. Despite seeing limited game time for the Betway Premiership defending champions during the 2025-2026 season, Zwane remains the spiritual leader of the dressing room.

In a stirring pre-recorded video message shared on the club’s social platforms, “Mshishi” urged the Pretoria-based team’s supporters to fill the stands and become the intimidating 12th man that Loftus is famous for.

“We are asking you to come in large numbers against MC Alger. We always need you behind us. Whenever you are there, you always motivate us, and we promise that we will do our best on the day,” Zwane assured the anxious fanbase.

His message is a direct attempt to calm the nerves of supporters who have grown increasingly vocal following a dip in continental form.

Ending the Winless Streak: A Must-Win Encounter

The anxiety among the fans is not without merit. Under the guidance of Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns are currently enduring a worrying three-game winless run in the group stage. The slump began with a 2-1 away loss to group leaders Al Hilal Omdurman, followed by a frustrating 2-2 draw at home against the same Sudanese opponents.

Most recently, the team stumbled again, managing only a 1-1 draw against FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the Democratic Republic of Congo last weekend. These results have left Sundowns in a precarious position where dropping points at home is no longer an option.

To understand how Sundowns found themselves in this position, read our analysis on Sundowns’ recent continental struggles.

The Group C Permutations

The mathematics of Group C are unforgiving. Al Hilal currently leads the pack and will face the group’s bottom side, Lupopo, in Kigali, Rwanda, on Saturday. The Sudanese giants need just a single point to seal their quarterfinal berth.

MC Alger sits in second place, trailing Al Hilal by just a point. For Rulani Mokwena’s outfit, a draw might not be enough to guarantee safe passage to the last-eight stage, depending on results elsewhere. This means both teams will be gunning for a victory, promising an open and attacking game of football.

Match Details and Broadcast Information

The stage is set for a blockbuster afternoon in Pretoria.

• Fixture: Mamelodi Sundowns vs. MC Alger

• Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium

• Kick-Off: 3:00 PM (SAST)

• TV Broadcast: SuperSport (Channel 209) and SABC Sport.

Fans attending the match also have an incentive beyond the football; securing a seat via OpenTickets enters them into a draw to win a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT, adding to the electric atmosphere expected on the day.

Will the Yellow Nation answer Zwane’s call? Or will Rulani Mokwena haunt his former employers? Saturday will reveal all.