Mamelodi Sundowns will face an early examination of their CAF Champions League ambitions when they travel to Algeria for a tough away clash against MC Alger on Friday.
It is arguably their most demanding fixture in the group stage, made even more intriguing by the prospect of reuniting with former coach Rulani Mokwena, who now leads the Algerian side and will be plotting against the team he once guided to major continental success.
Mokwena played a central role in Sundowns’ recent rise, including steering the club to the inaugural African Football League title with a commanding 4–1 victory over Wydad Casablanca towards the end of 2023.
His presence on the opposite touchline adds an emotional subplot to a match already carrying significant weight for the visitors.
The 38-year-old coach guided Sundowns to the Champions League semi-finals in his final season at the club, where they were knocked out by Miguel Cardoso — now the head coach — who was then in charge of Esperance de Tunis.
Cardoso went on to reach the final that year, where his side lost 1–0 to Al Ahly, before falling short at the same stage again last season with the Brazilians.
Sundowns head to North Africa buoyed by their 3–1 victory over DRC outfit Saint Eloi Lupopo in their opening group match, and they will be looking to build on that momentum as they embark on one of the most challenging away trips in the competition.
Aubrey Modiba, an influential figure for both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, acknowledged that this encounter will be demanding not only physically but emotionally, too. The left back said the squad is prepared for a difficult outing and is determined to secure their first away win of the group phase.
“We had a very good relationship with the coach, and it’s going to be a nice feeling to play against him because it has never happened before,” Modiba said.
“Everyone is looking forward to the game, and the players have spoken about how interesting it will be to see him in different colours. But we are professionals — we have a job to do.
“We have to make sure we win the game. We know how he plays, and it’s going to be tough for us. Algeria is never easy, but we have a team that will fight regardless of who is on the opposition bench. It will be good to see him again.”
Modiba also reflected on their opening win over Lupopo, emphasising the importance of securing maximum points at home to ease the pressure of notoriously difficult away fixtures in the Champion s League.
“Winning at home gives us an edge going into other games, especially away from home. It was a very important win for us because we wanted to start strong,” he added.
“With our supporters behind us, we didn’t want to disappoint. We showed our desire to win and made sure we didn’t concede because conceding is never a nice feeling for us as defenders.
“So, getting those three points at home was crucial. Away matches in this competition are never easy — the conditions, the pitches — but we don’t complain or dwell on that. We’ve been in the Champions League for a long time, and we know what to expect.”
