Mokwena Denies Receiving Sundowns Tactical Leaks
MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena has firmly denied receiving tactical information from suspended Mamelodi Sundowns performance analyst Mario Masha, insisting he would never jeopardise his career or integrity for a competitive advantage.
However, Mokwena confirmed that he and Masha have been in contact, explaining that their discussions were professional in nature and related partly to Masha’s ongoing UEFA coaching course.
“We have shared information,” Mokwena admitted. “But some of that dates back to our time working together at Mamelodi Sundowns.”
Earlier this week, Sportswire reported that Masha had been suspended for six months by Sundowns for allegedly leaking information to Mokwena ahead of MC Alger’s crucial CAF Champions League clash against the Tshwane giants at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.
Sundowns must win the match to qualify for the knockout stages. They currently sit third in Group C with six points from five matches, one behind second-placed MC Alger and two behind group leaders Al Hilal Omdurman.
Al Hilal will face bottom side FC Saint Eloi Lupopo, who have five points and still have a mathematical chance of progressing.
Mokwena: “I Will Never Ask Anyone to Risk Their Career”
Reading from a prepared statement during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Mokwena strongly rejected the allegations.
“Reputation is built over years of good conduct and not through anonymous screenshots,” he said.
“Let me state this very clearly: Mario has not given me any tactical or confidential information about Sundowns.
“The conversations referenced were professional football discussions — some personal and related to his UEFA licences, which he asked me to assist him with.
“We spoke about different methodologies, previous work done together at Mamelodi Sundowns, and various tactical ideas, including European examples such as those from Manchester City.
“At no point — and I repeat, at no point — were current Sundowns tactical plans or materials shared with me.”
Mokwena described Masha as “a great man” and “a hardworking professional,” adding that he would never ask anyone to compromise their integrity.
“I will never ask him to risk his career for a competitive advantage,” Mokwena said.
He also defended his current technical team at MC Alger, saying their preparation for the Champions League encounter has been unfairly questioned.
“I want to protect my technical team at MC Alger. The work, investment and time they have spent analysing opponents and preparing properly has been greatly undermined.
“Any suggestion that we rely on leaked information disrespects this great club and our professionalism. We prepare thoroughly — through intelligence and hard work — never through shortcuts.”
The controversy adds further tension to what is already a high-stakes Champions League showdown at Loftus Stadium.
