No more excuses for Rulani Mokwena in the Champions League
Mokwena has failed to reach the CAF Champions League final three times in a row and is desperate to avoid another sem-final exit.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Rulani Mokwena, has never made it to the CAF Champions League final since taking over as coach.
The South African team is set to play against Tunisian giants Esperance in the semi-finals of the continental competition. However, controversy surrounded their last eight win against Tanzanian champions Yanga SC.
Esperance, on the other hand, defeated Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas in the quarter-finals to reach this stage.
Despite his relatively good performance in the Champions League, Mokwena, who has won the league three times in a row, is under pressure to reach the final. However, he expects a tough first leg of the semi-final, which will take place at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium on Saturday.
He anticipates hostility and tough conditions, as Esperance is a good team that drew 1-1 against Monastir away in the domestic league last weekend.
Mokwena under pressure to win the Champions League win Downs
On the other hand, Esperance coach, Miguel Cardoso, is confident that his team has the resources to achieve great things. He acknowledged mistakes from their last league outing against Monastir and promised to work on them ahead of their match against Sundowns. Cardoso believes that staying focused, staying together, and giving their best in every game will make them difficult to stop.
The pressure is not on Rulani Mokwena to win the Champions League and bring another star to Chloorkop. The 37-year-old expects a tough encounter this weekend in Tunisia.
Tough outing for Masandawana this weekend
“I expect hostility and tough conditions. Esperance are a good team, [they drew 1-1 against Monastir away in the domestic league] last weekend,” he told the media.
Mokwena’s side will look for a positive result away as they look to reach their first Champions League final in eight years.