Mokoena’s absence highlights his importance to Sundowns after Champions League exit

Teboho Mokoena’s influence at Mamelodi Sundowns has come under scrutiny after the club’s shock CAF Champions League elimination by Wiliete SC.

The midfielder captained Sundowns in the first leg against the Angolan side but was forced off with a ligament injury, which ruled him out of the return match. A 1-1 draw in the second leg saw the Brazilians exit on the away-goals rule.

Mokoena’s absence does not, on its own, explain Sundowns’ failure to progress, but figures from the 2025/26 campaign underline the contribution he has made to the team.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder played in 23 Betway Premiership matches last season, with Sundowns averaging 2.13 points per game in those fixtures. During his 1,617 minutes on the pitch, the team scored 34 goals and conceded 15.

Mokoena started 18 of those matches and contributed four goals and two assists. His influence also extended to continental competition, where he helped Sundowns win the CAF Champions League.

He made 12 appearances in the tournament and scored twice, including the decisive goal in the final against FAR Rabat on 24 May 2026.

Sundowns carried a 1-0 advantage into the second leg, and Mokoena restored that aggregate lead in first-half stoppage time in Rabat. His right-footed shot went in off the underside of the crossbar after a cross from Brayan Leon was flicked on by Tashreeq Matthews.

The goal proved decisive as Sundowns secured a 2-1 aggregate victory and lifted the trophy.

Sundowns remain capable without Mokoena

The midfielder was also unavailable for the second leg against Wiliete, although coach Miguel Cardoso had earlier played down concerns over the injury, describing it as “not a big thing” and emphasising the strength of his squad.

Sundowns had chances to advance over the two legs but were unable to take them, meaning their elimination cannot be attributed solely to the absence of one player.

Their domestic record from last season also demonstrated their ability to collect points without relying exclusively on Mokoena. Sundowns finished second in the Betway Premiership with 68 points from 30 matches, one point behind champions Orlando Pirates.

Mokoena was injured during the fixture between Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns on August 15 2026 at FNB Stadium, with Bathusi Aubaas replacing him in the starting lineup. He later came on for Sphelele Mkhulise in the 70th minute of the 1-1 draw with Amakhosi.

He was not included in the matchday squad when Sundowns lost the first leg of their MTN 8 semi-final against Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on 23 August 2026.

Mokoena returned for the second leg at King Zwelithini Stadium, where Sundowns won 3–2. They then reached the final and defeated four-time MTN8 champions Pirates.

The statistics do not show that Sundowns are dependent on Mokoena. They do, however, reflect the value of a midfielder who provides defensive protection, helps dictate the tempo and poses an additional threat in front of goal.