Mokwena: Champions League does not define Sundowns success

Winning the Caf Champions League is without doubt high on Mamelodi Sundowns‘ list of priorities. But if that dream does not come true for Rulani Mokwena, he would not consider his team as having failed. 

ALSO READ: Alcohol abuse rife at AmaZulu, claims former employee

The general perception is that Masandawana need to test themselves in the Champions League as they’ve cruised through the DStv Premiership in most of the last six seasons.

Sundowns are one game away from reaching the semifinals of the Champions League, as protecting their 4-1 lead over CR Belouizdad from the first leg should not be a huge ask for the Brazilians. Downs host the Algerians this afternoon at Loftus Versfeld.

“The Champions League is an incredible competition, it is important for South African football. We love playing in this competition and it has its dynamics and challenges, but that is the beauty of it,” said Mokwena.

“We are going to try our best to win the Champions League. Will we win it? I don’t know, but are we capable of winning it? I am 100% sure that we are capable. 

“Will not winning it define us as failures? Maybe in the eyes of people but in my eyes when I look at how we performed, the level and consistency, the type of football that we are able to play even when chasing good results and with the pressure to win, for me that is already a success.

“But of course, football is about results and we live in a space where we chase perfection. For other clubs, perfection means results. It is not easy to do. What happens in terms of the results, it is in God’s hands but we look at ourselves with incredible appreciation with all the sacrifices and type of football that we play,” Mokwena added.

‘We have an objective’

One player who is excited at the prospect of reaching the last four on the continent is Neo Maema, who has been a regular in Mokwena’s team. The versatile midfielder admits that it would be sad for Downs to play what others describe as ‘PlayStation football’ but don’t get to win the Champions League.

“Playing good football without something to show for it is like playing a good game and not scoring. We have an objective to deliver trophies and at the end of the day, the style of play is the reason why I am here. I was attracted to the tradition that the club has as they play in the Brazilian way. Whether we play at home or away, we make sure that we maintain our standards,” said Maema.

“When you sign for Sundowns, these are the types of games that you look forward to. The most important thing is that we should not be nervous. We are top footballers and we make sure that we improve in every game,” he added.