Mamelodi Sundowns gear up for the CAF Champions League leg 1 of 2 of the semi-finals in Morocco. Bafana Ba Style look to secure an advantageous win from the away encounter against Wydad AC. Head Coach, Rulani Mokwena previewed the weekend’s continental competition fixture.
Ahead of the game, Coach Rulani shared his insights on the football action and the team’s preparations. “We are happy to be here and play in a competition that is very important for our football club, we are also excited to be in the semi-final. Wydad is a big team and so are we, at this stage of the competition we are fully prepared for the match.”
Coach Mokwena mentioned that the team has done a lot of good work on Whydad who are a complicated team. He further communicated that their current coach has a large imprint and the imprint they saw in their recent league game is similar to when he was with Simba SC and with the Saudi Arabian side, Abha FC. He also said that the squad understands where the strengths and weaknesses of Wydad come from.
“They are a good team that is very strong defensively and they have extremely experienced quality players in every position. We have to pay attention to detail, be very prepared and work hard, as well as have a microscopic focus that will allow us to help the players put on a good performance at a difficult stadium that will have a very difficult crowd. I think it will be a good match”, expressed the Masandawana Coach as he touched on the team’s approach.
Speaking about quality players with experience, Coach Mokwena mentioned Youssef El Moti who is a Moroccan international goalkeeper and can use both feet. He also pointed out that Defender, Yahya Jabrane who participated in the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup is a player they will be looking out for since he can create schemes and is important to the opposition in set pieces and free kicks.
“We know what the team does, and we have looked at what possibilities we will be faced with from the perspective of the coach”, said the Bafana Ba Style Coach further conveying that the team is well prepared for the Saturday evening encounter.
With the team ready for game day and to play in a stadium that is expected to be full of Moroccans and Wydad supporters, the Brazilians’ Coach conveyed that the team has displayed that they can play in front of a very hostile crowd. He said, “We want to stay in this competition until the end which means that we have to play every game and try to win it. “
Mamelodi Sundowns will meet Wydad this Saturday, 13 May 2022 at the Stade Mohammed V stadium. The Champions League fixture will kick off at 21h00.
Go and make us proud,you have provided beyond reasonable doubt that you can win anywhere in the continent.Do it in honour of the memories of bra Alex,he will be watching and guiding you.If rumours that we want Kimvudi are true I say go for him he’s a talented young player he reminds me of Gift Kampapa.