Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has had his say on his side’s tight fixture schedule ahead of the CAF Champions League semi-finals return tie against Esperance on Friday.
The Brazilians arrived in South Africa on Monday after an 11-hour travel from Tunisia where the first leg took place. They lost 1-0 to Miguel Cardoso’s side.
Rulani Mokwena’s men didn’t have adequate time to prepare for a DStv Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United that they would host the following day.
However, they came out with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against a stubborn and energetic side of Babina Noko.
The Brazilians are the only team that was playing in the midweek among the four remaining clubs in the Champions League.
Following their win over Sekhukhune, Mokwena was asked whether the club had requested the postponements of the domestic match to allow them sufficient time to prepare for a crucial tie against the North Africans.
He responded diplomatically, likening Sundowns’ situation to Manchester City’s.
The English side also had a quick turnaround, playing three days after the UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid. And Pep Guardiola launched an astonishing rant, complaining about the game being scheduled so soon after their last outing.
RULANI MOKWENA LIKENS SUNDOWNS’ SITUATION TO MAN CITY’S
“If I answer that, I’ll get into trouble, let me leave it to the Team Manager, there he is smiling,” said Mokwena.
“Maybe he must sit here and answer that question.
“No, but you know what I like? And l I get people say, ‘Ah Pep Guardiola’. You know what I like?
“After Chelsea’s game, Pep put it straight…and if it can affect Manchester City who have to travel between European countries, what more about us?
“And this is the question that I ask and really that’s the only way I can answer your question.
“I can’t control anything else except making sure that the team is ready, the team is prepared and we are able to perform on the pitch. That’s my focus 150%.
“If you read in between the lines, I think you will understand. But I can’t say anything because I’ll get into trouble.
“I’m already in trouble for my last press conference.”
RELATED STORY: Sundowns secure hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United