CAFCL: Rulani Mokwena plots Mamelodi Sundowns’ downfall

MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena has sent a clear message ahead of his highly anticipated return to South Africa: he is coming for three points, not a family reunion with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician faces a defining week in his CAF Champions League campaign. Currently sitting third in Group C with four points, Mokwena’s side must navigate a treacherous path to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

The first hurdle is a Friday night showdown against Al Hilal SC, a match that Mokwena admits will dictate the narrative of their final group-stage trip to Pretoria next week.

Rulani Mokwena Speaks On The Safari” versuss Points

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the 39-year-old mentor used his trademark wit to underscore the importance of Friday’s result. For Rulani Mokwena, the trip to face his former employers, Masandawana, must remain a professional mission.

“I don’t want to be taking the players to South Africa to go meet my family and friends,” Mokwena told the media. “We want to go to South Africa to get three points. But whether or not we go for a safari or for three points depends on what we do tomorrow night [against Al Hilal].”

Rulani Mokwena emphasised that “perseverance” would be the key ingredient for his Algerian outfit if they are to keep their knockout stage dreams alive.

“Otherwise, it would be nice to take the players on a nice safari,” he added jokingly, making it clear that a dead-rubber match is the last thing he wants for his homecoming.

Group C: The State of Play

Group C remains one of the most competitive brackets in this year’s competition. With Sundowns and Al Hilal both vying for the top spots, MC Alger finds themselves in a “must-win” territory.

The Equation: A victory against Al Hilal on Friday night keeps MC Alger’s fate in their own hands.

The Stakes: A loss or draw could potentially relegate their final match against Sundowns to a mere formality, something Rulani Mokwena is desperate to avoid.

The Algerian giants have shown glimpses of the “Rulani-ball” philosophy since his appointment, but the continental stage provides the ultimate litmus test for his rebuilding project in North Africa.

While the South African football fraternity is already buzzing at the prospect of Mokwena facing his former side at Loftus Versfeld, the coach remains laser-focused on the immediate task in Algiers.

Should they overcome Al Hilal, the final group game against Sundowns will arguably be the biggest match in the club’s recent history—and a tactical chess match that will have the entire continent watching.