Mamelodi Sundowns suspend performance analyst amid tactical leak allegations

Mamelodi Sundowns have suspended performance analyst Mario Masha after he was accused of leaking tactical information to Rulani Mokwena, the current head coach of MC Alger.

The decision comes just days before Sundowns host MC Alger in a decisive Matchday 6 fixture of Group C in the CAF Champions League. The match will determine which side progresses to the quarter-finals, while also playing a key role in the battle for group supremacy, currently led by Al Hilal of Sudan with eight points.

Masha is one of the longest-serving members of Sundowns’ technical staff, having joined the club during the era of former head coach Pitso Mosimane. Despite firmly denying the allegations, Sundowns opted to suspend the analyst as a precautionary measure ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes encounter.

Sundowns were held to a 1–1 away draw against AS Saint Éloi Lupopo last Sunday, a result that leaves the South African champions needing a victory over MC Alger to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Speaking ahead of the crucial tie, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso spoke about the need of the fan support, stating:

“We hope the stadium will be full on matchday, with the fans coming out in large numbers to support the team — nothing more.”

The Portuguese coach of Sundowns added:

“I hope the opponent does not expect or know how we are going to play. I hope we can control that and make the game fair from our side.”

Sundowns hold an internal investigation

Shortly after Cardoso’s remarks, reports emerged linking Mario Masha to the alleged tactical leak, with the analyst identified as the suspected source of information ahead of the much-anticipated clash with MC Alger.

Mario Masha is now set to face an internal disciplinary hearing, as he seeks to clear his name in the case, particularly given his more than a decade of service within Sundowns’ technical setup.

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