Zwane names factor that helped Sundowns silence Mokwena in CAF Confederation Cup

Defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a huge 2-0 win over Rhulani Mokwena’s MC Alger to secure their CAF Champions League quarter-final ticket.

A brace from Colombian striker Brayan Leon on either half ensured Masandawana finished second in Group C to advance alongside winners Al-Hilal Omdurman, who beat St Eloi Lupopo in another game played last weekend.

The most important thing is that the victory eased the pressure on coach Miguel Cardoso and the players as well. A draw cold have seen them get knocked out of the annual tournament in favour of the People’s Club who were sent home alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo outfit.

Themba Zwane, who is the club’s captain, has now explained why it was vital for the team to collect a win at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Prior to the match, there were allegations that the club’s analyst Mario Masha had leaked the plan to Mokwena, claims that have not been proved.

We knew they will sit back, but…

“Obviously, it was difficult, there was lot of talk but for us we knew our job is to focus on the game and stay as a team,” the 36-year-old told the Brazilians’ media department.

“Brotherhood; we communicate, try to motivate one another and thanks to our Chairman [Thlopie Motsepe] who played a big role this week because he was busy motivating us. Those talks, positive talks it really helped us going to the game.

“We knew that they will try to sit back, press high first half that’s why we were fighting for the first early goal and that’s what we did.

“We put more pressure on them. We knew they were gonna make some mistakes but give credit to Leon [Brayan Muniz] for the follow up and always being there in the box,” Zwane concluded.

The next assignment will be away against Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League to be staged at the Orlando Amstel Arena.