Rulani Mokwena met former side Mamelodi Sundowns in a heated CAF Champions League clash over the weekend.
It was Mokwena’s first-time returning to the capital after leaving Masandawana back in July 2024.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher, with the winner on the day proceeding to the tournament’s knockout stages.
Unfortunately for Mokwena, his side MC Alger were beaten 2-0 on the day. Subsequently, they were knocked out of the Champions League.
Mokwena hits out at Sundowns coach
Following the match, Rulani Mokwena didn’t mince his words. The former Sundowns coach lashed out at opposition coach Miguel Cardoso.
Mokwena believes his counterpart was intentionally trying to provoke him and his technical team during the high-stakes match.
“I don’t want to talk about things off the pitch, because if Rulani walks across the opposition’s technical area, I know how many people would make a hullabaloo of that situation,” Mokwena said as quoted by FARPost following an incident after the second goal was scored.
“The laws of the game prohibit any technical member from leaving his technical area, going past the fourth official, and moving across the technical area of the other team.
“If that is not a clear sign of not only disrespecting the opposition, but a clear violation of not only CAF rules, but FIFA rules. This has nothing to do with me. That’s not my conduct, it’s a reflection on me.”
Downs qualify for the CAFCL last eight
Saturday’s victory at Loftus means Mamelodi Sundowns have qualified for the CAF Champions League last eight.
For MC Alger, their journey in the competition was cut short. They’ll now turn their attention back to the Algerian top-flight.
Mokwena’s side lead the way in the league, after 15 games.