Mamelodi Sundowns Defender, Thapelo ‘Matrapa’ Morena who made it to the CAF Champions League Team of the Week was also voted as the player of the week in the CAF CL quarter-final 2nd leg for his formidable performance. Bafana Ba Style secured their spot in the semi-final last Saturday when they beat CR Belouizdad 2-1 at home, and 6-2 on aggregate.
Head Coach, Rulani Mokwena spoke about Thapelo Morena’s impressive performances when facing the North African sides in the Champions League after he scored the winning goal for the Brazilians. “I told Thapelo that he must check his family tree, I think his forefathers have some North African roots because of how he comes alive when we play against the North African sides.”
Since the beginning of the 2023 CAF Champions League campaign, the Masandawana utility player has scored three (3) goals and one (1) assist. Having faced Al-Ahly of Egypt and CR Belouizdad of Algeria who were part of Group B [ in the group stages] and are considered giants in the African continent, it’s safe to say that Thapelo is an experienced player in continental competitions.
“His best games are against the North African sides. The past games we have played have shown how amazing he is on the pitch”, added Coach Mokwena as he emphasized how Matrapa’s performances in the Champions League have stood out in the past games.
Morena joined Mamelodi Sundowns in August 2016 from Bloemfontein Celtic and has been in great form since then. The utility player is known for his versatility on the pitch and for playing as a right-wing and a right-back. Having a collection of silverware accumulated throughout his career, the DStv 2022/23 Champion is looking forward to clinching the CAF Champions League trophy this season and securing the second star for the club.
Voted as part of the Total Energies CAF Champions League team of the week is Masandawana’s Midfield maestro, Themba Zwane who netted the opening goal in the game that qualified the Brazilians for the semi-finals.
Coach Mokwena congratulated Morena on his CAF CL Player of the Week achievement and further mentioned that the team is positive after qualifying for the semi-finals. The Brazilians will face Wydad in the semi-finals as they look to battle for a place in the finals over a two-legged encounter.
Mamelodi Sundowns will travel to Morocco for their semi-final 1st leg clash against Wydad of Casablanca which is scheduled for the 12/13th of May 2023. More information on the Champions League fixture will be announced soon.
Morena always plays a very matured game,even last season in the champions league he was our top goal scorer,he even scored when we beat Ahly for the first time in Egypt but he was benched for no reason in the quarter finals.The goal he scored against Gallant in the Nedbank cup final during extra time,he is the only one who uses his brain too much in the game,most of our players are very skillful with limited football brains. When you cross a ball you must have a target to say i want this ball to reach player A don’t just cross for the sake of it.If you can check 90% of Beckam and De Brune corners,free kicks and crosses reached their team mate.