Rulani Mokwena: ‘Nothing is given to us on a silver platter’

Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena reckons that nothing is given to them on a “silver platter”, but their success is a reward for planning and patience. 

Mokwena was speaking ahead of their CAF Champions League semi-final first leg against Wydad AC. 

The DStv Premiership champions will lock horns with the North Africans at Stade Mohammed V on Saturday, 13 May 2023.  

Mokwena believes that Sundowns will be better prepared to take on the tournament’s defending champions, Wydad, and insists he believes his selected squad will be able to get the job done in Morocco. 

‘NOTHING IS GIVEN TO US ON A SILVER PLATTER’ 

The 36-year-old coach has urged his troops to fight on as they do in any competition because  nothing is given to them “on a silver platter.”

“We have to fight, and we know nothing is given to us on a silver platter. And we also have to enjoy the opportunity, these are moments that come once in a lifetime,” said Mokwena. 

“We know their level, and they know our level. They know we are a very good team. And that we can play our football with a good profile, mentality, and confidence on any pitch.”

RULANI MOKWENA ANTICIPATES INTERESTING GAME BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES 

Mokwena further stated that even though it won’t be a walk in the park for his charges, football fanatics are guaranteed an interesting showdown on Saturday. 

“But it’s going to be a good game against a team that is the defending champions. With a good pedigree in the Champions League and many, many years of competing in the Champions League. 

“It’s going to be an interesting game between two good teams with two good sets of players.”

Masandawana advanced to the semi-final of the tournament after thrashing Algeria’s CR Beloiuzdad 6-2 on aggregate.

Meanwhile, Wydad beat Simba SC 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate score. 

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