Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has responded to rumours of signing Al Ahly’s Percy Tau while making comparisons between Pitso Mosimane and Marcel Koller.
Mokwena, 36, has established himself as one of the best-emerging head coaches in Africa following his latest exploits with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.
Having beat Al Ahly 5-2 in South Africa, Mokwena handed Al Ahly a huge lifeline in the CAF Champions League as he held Al Hilal to a 1-1 draw in Sudan, thanks to a late penalty save from Ronwen Williams.
This comes despite reports that Sundowns would aim to eliminate Al Ahly from the Champions League in order to have its way easier in the knockout rounds.
Speaking on the Al Hilal draw, Mokwena told On Time Sports TV channel: “We respect our fans. We play every match professionally and take everything seriously.
“I do not have a main or a backup team, every player in the Sundowns squad deserves a place in the starting line-up and to have a role with the team.
“We are trying to improve the team continuously. We do not have the great experience that some of the teams that qualified have, but we are working hard to compensate for that.
“I didn’t expect the result of the Sundowns and Al Ahly match, but when you have a distinguished group of players in your team, you can do anything,” he added.
Mokwena was then asked about the rumours linking him with Al Ahly’s South African star Percy Tau, for which he responded: “I cannot talk about a player who is not in my team. I must respect Al Ahly.
“Percy Tau is a distinguished player and I know him well and we have a great relationship.”
Speaking about Pitso Mosimane, he said: “I admit that Mosimane is one of those who paved the way for the African coaches.
“Mosimane and Koller are both great coaches, and most of the team’s key players played with them both. Al Ahly was at a good level with Mosimane, and now they are performing well with Koller.
“There are tactical differences between both coaches, but that’s regarding each playing style.”
Asked if he is negotiations with any Egyptian club, Mokwena responded: “I don’t follow social media, I only focus on my team and try to make the fans happy.
“I am very happy with all the support I receive from the club president, the fans, and the players. I am enjoying my time here at Sundowns, and this is the most important thing for me,” he added.
