adminJOHANNESBURG. – Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has called out ‘unfair’ criticism over the squads’ players in previous campaigns of the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns collected a valuable point away from home in the CAF Cham-pions Champions League group stage fixture against Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Saturday, as both sides battled off to a 2-2 draw.
The Brazilians are on the quest for their first Champions League triumph since 2016.
In recent editions, Sundowns have bulldozed their way through the group stages but stumbled in the quarter finals of the continental compe-tition.
Reflecting on the draw against and the past performances in the Cham-pions League in recent years, Mokwena asked that his players be given a fair chance.
“We wanted to win today, we didn’t win. It’s an important point against, as I said, a very good team,” Mokwena said post-match.
“I said to you, even earlier; Ronwen [Williams], first Champions league, [Khuliso] Mudau, right back – last season competes with Thapelo Morena, first Champions League. Mothobi Mvala, first Champions League, played last season but starting consistently competing at this level.
“Neo Maema, Cassius Mailula and Teboho Mokwena’s first Champions League. Last season Lyle Lakay is the starting left-back and Aubrey Modiba features a little bit, so Aubrey Modiba, first Champions League.
“The majority of this team, it would be unfair to judge them on their past. – KickOff
Online Reporter