Aubrey Modiba talks about facing Rulani Mokwena, coach of MC Alger! | OneFootball

A meeting filled with emotions and feelings.

Aubrey Modiba

A unique and emotionally charged encounter awaits Mamelodi Sundowns in Algeria, as they prepare to face not just MC Alger, but their former mentor, Rulani Mokwena. The upcoming CAF Champions League group stage match is set to be a narrative of reunion and professional resolve.

Sundowns are riding high after a confident 3-1 victory in their opening group match, thanks to a stellar performance from Nuno Santos, who scored twice, and a goal from Marcelo Allende. Their next challenge, however, carries a different weight. They now travel to face an MC Alger side led by Mokwena, a coach who possesses an intimate understanding of the Sundowns squad and its inner workings.

For the Sundowns players, this adds a compelling layer to the contest. Aubrey Modiba, the team's left-back, openly acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding the fixture. He confirmed that the entire squad is anticipating the unusual experience of seeing their former coach in the opposing technical area for the first time since his departure in July 2024.

“We had a very good relationship with the coach [Mokwena]. It’s going to be a nice feeling to play against him because it never happened before,” Modiba shared with the media. “Everyone is looking forward to the game, even as guys we were speaking about it, that it’s going to be nice seeing him in a different gear.”

Yet, amidst the nostalgia and well-wishes, Modiba was quick to emphasize a steely professional mindset. He recognized that Mokwena's inside knowledge will make the Algerian outfit a particularly tough opponent, especially since they are desperate for a win after losing their first match 2-1 to Al Hilal.

However, Modiba made it clear that sentiment would be left off the pitch. “But we are professionals, we have to do what we have to do. We know how he plays, and it’s going to be a tough game for us in Algeria. It’s never easy, but we have a team that is going to pull up a fight irrespective of who is the coach, but it will be a nice feeling to see him again.”

The stage is thus set for a fascinating tactical and emotional battle, where past alliances will be temporarily set aside for 90 minutes of professional football.