Mokoena Saudi Arabia reports add intrigue to Sundowns’ Al Ahli clash

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams says the club are aware of reports linking midfielder Teboho Mokoena with a move to Saudi Arabia, although no-one at the South African side can confirm whether the interest is genuine.

The comments come before Sundowns face AFC Champions League winners Al Ahli Jeddah in a clash between the reigning African and Asian champions. The winner will progress towards a meeting with European champions PSG.

Williams identified Mokoena as the Sundowns player most likely to have attracted attention in Saudi Arabia, pointing to the midfielder’s performances for both club and country.

“Besides myself, Teboho Mokoena – we have seen reports in the media, we don’t know if it’s true or not – it shows they have taken interest in some of our players, which is good, it shows the guys are doing well,” Williams said.

“Obviously if you score at the World Cup, people will know you. Teboho scored at the World Cup, scored at AFCON, scored in all the big tournaments that we have played. I’m sure that they will keep an eye on him.”

The 29-year-old Mokoena has been with Sundowns since 2022 and has made 187 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and providing 14 assists. He has also won 54 senior caps for South Africa.

His honours with Sundowns include four league winners’ medals, the African Football League, the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League.

Williams said the reported interest reflected the level Mokoena and his team-mates had reached through their recent performances.

“When they won their game as well, you could see their media checking up on our players, the player they did mention was Mokoena, for obvious reasons, because of the goals he scored, the amount of goals he scores from midfield, it will an interesting game,” he added.

Sundowns’ captain expects a decisive contest in which both teams will be seeking to claim a trophy.

“It will be an interesting game, it will be good game, an open game, it’s cup final – winner takes all, winner takes the trophy,” Williams said.

He also described the fixture as an important stage in the route towards facing PSG, with Sundowns now focused on overcoming Al Ahli Jeddah.

“It’s big, African up against Asian champions and the pathway to take on the European Champions, PSG, the ultimate goal. We have a step now – to play Al Ahli, we’re excited, looking forward to it and hopefully it can be a good spectacle.”