Modiba: No Room For Sentiment As Sundowns Face Mokwena
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba says the affection the players have for coach Rulani Mokwena is undeniable, but insists they still have a job to do when they meet him on the pitch.
Sundowns face Mokwena’s MC Alger in their second CAF Champions League group-stage match on Friday, after going top of Group C with a 3–1 win over St Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.
MC Alger, meanwhile, lost their opening group-stage fixture 2–1 to Al-Hilal last Friday.
This will be the first time Sundowns come up against Mokwena, who left the club at the end of the 2023/24 season despite guiding them to a league title and the African Football League crown.
Modiba acknowledged the strong relationship the squad built with Mokwena and admitted they are familiar with his style of play.
“We had an excellent relationship with our coach, and it’s going to be a nice feeling to play against him because it’s never happened before. Everyone is looking forward to the game,” said Modiba.
“The guys have been talking about it, saying it will be interesting to see him in different colours. But right now, we’re professionals. We have to do what we need to do and make sure we win the game.
“We know how he plays. It’s going to be a tough match. In Algeria, it’s never easy—North Africa is always challenging.”
Modiba added that while emotions will be present, Sundowns are fully focused on the task at hand.
“We’ve got a team that will put up a fight, regardless of who the coach is. But yes, it will be good to see him again.”
The Bafana Bafana left-back also emphasised the importance of securing victories at home, given the difficulties of travelling on the continent.
“It’s very important to win your first game at home because away games are never easy,” Modiba said.
“The conditions, the pitches—everything is difficult. But we don’t complain or dwell on that. We’ve been in the Champions League long enough to know what to expect.
“Winning at home gives us an edge going into the other games, especially away from home, because we know it won’t be easy. When we play them in Congo, we know what to expect. So yes, it’s very important to win at home.”
