Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane believes their CAF Champions League group-stage draw against Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger is simply part of the game’s unpredictability.
Sundowns were placed in Group C, where they will face MC Alger, Al Hilal, and St Eloi Lupopo on Monday.
This marks Sundowns’ 11th appearance in the Champions League group stages since 2016 — the year they lifted the trophy under Pitso Mosimane, with Mokwena serving as assistant coach.
Mokwena, who later took full charge of Sundowns in October 2022, was dismissed at the end of the 2023/24 season despite winning the inaugural African Football League and two league titles.
Having now taken one of the biggest coaching jobs on the continent, his reunion with the South African champions was almost inevitable.
When asked about facing his former coach, Zwane remained composed and focused on the team’s objectives.
“That’s the Champions League for you — you can’t choose who you play,” said Zwane. “It’s an exciting group, but I know we have a good team with quality players who can compete. We just need to bring our A-game in every match and put the team in a position to qualify for the next round.”
Sundowns came close to securing a second Champions League title last season but fell short in the final against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC.
Zwane also praised Mokwena’s coaching ability and acknowledged that the upcoming clash will attract plenty of attention.
“Coach Rulani is a good coach — we know him, and he knows us as players,” Zwane added. “It’s going to be an exciting game to watch, but for us, the focus is on winning, not proving a point. We just want to make sure the team qualifies.”
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