Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena sits on the opposition bench tonight as Kabo Yellow face MC Alger in the CAF Champions League.
The national broadcaster SABC will have it all covered.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: MC ALGER VS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The Betway Premiership champions arrive in North Africa with enough confidence after opening their group campaign with a convincing 3-1 win over St-Eloi Lupopo.
MC Alger, meanwhile, are already under pressure after going down 2-1 to Al Hilal in Kigali and will see tonight as a must-not-lose fixture.
The clash is set for a 21:00 kick-off, with SABC confirming that SABC 3 will broadcast the Group C encounter live.
But beyond the points, the spotlight falls on Mokwena. The former Sundowns mentor now sits on the opposite side, plotting against the team he once made number one in Africa.
WORDS FROM THE COACHES
Ahead of the match, Mokwena struck a respectful tone when discussing his former club. “Mamelodi Sundowns have more heritage than us in the group,” he told Algerian media. “But we also understand that we have all the conditions to make a very good run in the Champions League.”
On the Sundowns bench, head coach Miguel Cardoso was quick to dismiss the idea that facing Mokwena adds any emotional edge. For him, it’s business as usual.
“It’s just a detail,” Cardoso said. “We will analyse the team behaviour, prepare ourselves as we go there, make the best and hope the best is enough to win three points. Normal,” the Portuguese said.
Mokwena and Cardoso renew their rivalry for the third time since their 2023/24 semifinal meetings, where Cardoso’s Esperance edged both legs 1-0.