Mamelodi Sundowns experienced midfielder Themba Zwane has reacted to the upcoming CAF Champions League group stage clash against his former coach, Rulani Mokwena, explaining why he believes “there will not be much drama.”
The Brazilians have been drawn against Mokwena’s MC Alger, FC St Eloi-Lupopo, and Al Hilal SC in Group C of the Champions League. The draw was held at the SuperSport TV studios in Randburg on Monday as Sundowns continue their push for a second continental title, having won the competition in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane.
The Tshwane-based side came close to lifting the trophy in the previous campaign, reaching the final, but lost 3-1 to Egyptian outfit Pyramids FC over two legs. In the current season, Sundowns opened their Champions League campaign with a convincing 7-1 win over Remo Stars in the Second Preliminary Round.
After stamping their authority as last season’s runners-up, Masandawana will have to topple Mokwena’s Algerian side, Lupopo, and Al Hilal to advance to the knockout stages of Africa’s top club competition.
WHAT THEMBA ZWANE SAID ABOUT THE REUNION WITH MOKWENA
Sundowns will lock horns with Mokwena for the first time since the coach left the club at the end of the 2023/24 season. The highly-rated SA tactician spent a few years at Sundowns in various positions before serving as the sole head coach from 2022 to 2024.
The former Orlando Pirates assistant coach had a successful two-season spell as a head coach at Downs, winning two league titles and the African Football League [AFL] in 2023.
Zwane, who arguably played his best football under Mokwena, has revealed that the coach has done a lot for the club and that they like him.
“I think there won’t be too much drama [against Mokwena], he has done so much for the club,” Zwane said at the CAF Champions League draw.
“Obviously, we like him; he’s a good human being and a good coach. I mean, as players, we’ve learned a lot from him when he was here. We’re going to welcome him with good hands.”
RELATED STORY: Pirates edge MC Alger in Algiers with Nkota’s decisive strike