"We just have to enjoy the opportunity and the occasion" - Rhulani Mokwena


By Neo Poho

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena has revealed some of Wydad Casablanca's strengths ahead of the much anticipated CAF Champions League semi-final clash on Saturday night.

Sundowns will travel to Morocco for the first leg at the Stade Mohammed V before returning to Loftus Versfeld for the second leg of the semi-final clash on the 20th of May.

Having progressed to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League after defeating CR Beloiuzdad, 6-2 on aggregate, Sundowns take on a Wydad side that has just recently appointed Sven Vandenbroeck as their new head coach and Mokwena is wary at the threat Wydad poses under the Belgian tactician.

“We have done a lot of video analysis on what to do and also on the opposition now that they have a new coach with a different approach and philosophy however, there is not too much profile of the team that has changed because before the coach, there were very good players, very aggressive on wing play, and very aggressive possibilities to threaten on the counter attack and small adaptations within the model of play under the new coach.

From the defensive perspective on the pressing, they look a little bit higher and have a little bit of emphasis on the build-up, we have also profiled Vandenbroeck prior to him being appointed in various clubs in Saudi Arabia and Tanzania and there are a lot of details that have to go in," Mokwena said.

Mokwena furthermore alluded that they are expecting a tough game with a hostile crowd and a lot of difficulty because so many things are going to be tricky for his side on the night.

"Despite all the difficulties and challenges we are going to face, Wydad should also expect a good team, a team that will go there and be brave to play and ultimately enjoy the opportunity and the occasion," Mokwena added.

With the sides having met before 10 times already, Sundowns have won three matches drawn four and lost four respectively.

While a spot in the final is up for grabs, Mokwena and his charges will look to bring their 'A game' in both legs and advance to the final of the competition where they will face either Al Ahly or ES Tunis.

Kick-off on Saturday night is at 21:00 South African time.

Article Tags

Football

Mamelodi Sundowns

Rhulani Mokwena

CAF Champions League

Cancel

    Most Read