Mamelodi Sundowns’ technical camp has been rocked by internal upheaval following allegations that sensitive tactical information was leaked ahead of their decisive CAF Champions League Group C clash against MC Alger.
The developments come at a tense moment in what has been dubbed the competition’s “Group of Death”. Sundowns kept their qualification hopes alive with a 1-1 draw away to St Eloi Lupopo on Sunday, while MC Alger’s 2-1 victory over Al Hilal ensured all four teams head into the final round still in contention for both qualification and elimination.
The stakes were already high with the prospect of former Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena returning to Loftus Versfeld for the group decider. However, matters have been further complicated by serious accusations within the Brazilians’ camp.
Reports indicate that a long-serving member of the technical team, who has been with the club for more than a decade, has been suspended with immediate effect. The suspension is pending an internal investigation into allegations of leaking tactical and training information, as well as access codes to data and analysis platforms used by the current technical staff.
Against this backdrop, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso alluded to potential challenges, expressing hope that the decisive encounter would be contested on fair terms. His comments appeared to suggest concern that MC Alger, under Mokwena, could benefit from insider knowledge.
“We’re now starting the preparation for the next game. We need to eat, rest, travel home, check on the condition of the players, and then hope that in the next match we have a full stadium,” Cardoso said after the draw in Lubumbashi.
“We need only one thought: support the team, nothing more. I hope the opponent doesn’t guess or know how we’re going to play. I hope everything is controlled so that we can have a fair game.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will host MC Alger at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday in the final round of Group C, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 GMT.
