Themba Zwane: Mamelodi Sundowns’ clash with Rulani Mokwena about purpose, not pride

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane insists their looming CAF Champions League showdown with former coach Rulani Mokwena and his new club MC Alger is not about personal pride but about pursuing a greater purpose — reclaiming the African title they last won in 2016.

The Brazilians are targeting redemption after falling agonisingly short in last season’s final against Pyramids FC, and they now know their path to glory after this week’s group-stage draw.

Sundowns have been placed in a tricky Group B alongside MC Alger, Saint Eloi Lupopo of the DRC, and Sudanese giants Al Hilal. Lupopo, who dramatically knocked out Orlando Pirates in the second preliminary round on penalties, will make a quick return to South African soil.

Reflecting on the draw, Zwane said the team are under no illusions about the task ahead.

“That is the Champions League for you; you can’t choose who you play,” Zwane said. “Our group will be exciting, but I know we have a strong team with quality players. We just have to bring our A-game and make sure we qualify for the next round.”

The meeting with MC Alger will mark Mokwena’s first face-off with his former employers since his surprise exit last year — a split that reportedly stemmed from differences over the club’s direction and his failure to secure the continental crown despite leading Sundowns to the semi-finals of the Champions League and victory in the inaugural African Football League.

Zwane, however, dismissed any notion of animosity.

“Coach Rulani is a good coach. We know him, and he knows us. It’ll be an exciting match, but for us, it’s not about proving a point — it’s about winning and getting into a strong position to qualify,” he explained. “There won’t be any drama. We have huge respect for him. He did a lot for this club, and we learned a lot from him when he was here. We’ll welcome him warmly, and I hope the supporters will too.”

Zwane also acknowledged the challenge of facing Lupopo, noting that Sundowns have been analysing their recent matches closely after the Congolese side’s spirited performance against Pirates.

“We know what to expect from them,” he said. “They’re quick, physical, and confident after beating Pirates. We’ll have to be switched on from the first whistle.”

Once again, Sundowns enter the Champions League among the favourites to lift the trophy — a status they have embraced with clear intent. For Zwane, now 36 and one of the most senior figures in the squad, the objective is simple: finish what they started last season.

“Our focus is to raise our level. The group isn’t easy, but we’ll push ourselves to win the Champions League — that’s the mandate,” he said. “We need to start strong, win our home games, and build momentum. The difference this time will be our mindset and intensity. We want to go all the way.”

Sundowns will kick off their continental campaign at home against Saint Eloi Lupopo, before their much-anticipated reunion with Mokwena’s MC Alger on November 28 — a fixture already shaping up as one of the most compelling storylines of the African club season.