MC Alger coach Rulani Mokwena has hit back at allegations that he colluded with a Mamelodi Sundowns staff member to obtain tactical information ahead of Saturday’s CAF Champions League clash between the two sides.
Sundowns’ performance analyst Mario Masha has been suspended following claims he leaked confidential team data to Mokwena, who previously coached at Chloorkop.
Speaking at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday, Mokwena delivered a prepared statement when asked whether he had been “spying” on his former employers, firmly rejecting the accusations.
“I have made a conscious decision not to respond to rumours, gossip or accusations, but a respected journalist spoke and shared information which I feel is very important to take a few minutes to clarify.
“I am a product of Mamelodi Sundowns. I have coached in the academy structures from under-15 to under-17 to under-19, and eventually to the senior team. I have invested many years of my professional life in this institution, contributing alongside many outstanding professionals to the standards that this club enjoys today across the globe and the African continent. Many things can be said about me personally as a human being and as a coach, but never that I do not invest in my career, never that I don’t take my job seriously, and never that I don’t work very hard,” said Mokwena
Mokwena vehemently denied any suggestions that he’d swapped notes with Masha, revealing how Sundowns would play against the Algerian champions.
“The conversations referenced were professional football discussions, some personal – relating to his UEFA licenses, which he asked me to help him share through different methodologies – previous work done together at Mamelodi Sundowns, and different tactical ideas that include European examples, including those from Manchester City. At no point were current Sundowns tactical plans or confidential material shared with me.”
Sundowns will host the Algerian side in their final CAF Champions League group phase game on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled at 13;00 GMT.
