Mamelodi Sundowns have suspended a member of their technical staff after allegations emerged that sensitive tactical information was shared with an opposing coach ahead of a crucial continental fixture.
The South African champions confirmed that performance analyst Mario Masha has been stood down following claims that he disclosed details of the team’s tactical setup to Rulani Mokwena, now head coach of MC Alger, before Saturday’s CAF Champions League meeting between the two clubs.
The decision, described within the club as a precautionary measure, comes at a delicate moment in Sundowns’ season, with the Champions League tie viewed as one of their most significant tests in the current campaign.
The club has not detailed the duration of the suspension but indicated that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the allegations, the information shared is said to have related to Sundowns’ tactical formation and match preparation.
Such data is typically guarded closely at elite level, particularly in continental competition, where marginal gains can prove decisive.
Rulani Mokwena’s involvement has added to the sensitivity of the situation.
Before taking charge of MC Alger, he had been in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns, where he was credited with overseeing a highly successful period marked by strong domestic performances and a clear tactical identity.
His familiarity with the club’s internal workings has already been a point of discussion ahead of the Champions League encounter.
The announcement has reverberated through the Sundowns camp, where the relationship between the current technical leadership and the former coach has been described as strained in recent months.
While no formal accusation has been made against Mokwena, the suggestion that internal information may have been leaked has heightened tensions surrounding an already high-stakes match.
Within the squad, the focus is now on maintaining concentration as preparations continue.
Club officials are understood to be keen to prevent the issue from disrupting the players’ mindset, particularly with the Champions League often described as a defining objective for Sundowns each season.
The suspension also underlines the growing importance of performance analysis and data security in modern football.
Analysts play a central role in opposition scouting, tactical planning and in-game adjustments, making the integrity of such information a priority for clubs competing at the highest level.
For Sundowns, the episode represents an unwelcome distraction as they look to assert themselves on the continental stage.
The club has not indicated when further details will be made public, but the outcome of any internal review is likely to be closely watched both domestically and across African football.
As the Champions League fixture approaches, attention will remain split between events on the pitch and the unresolved questions surrounding an incident that has cast a shadow over one of Africa’s most anticipated club contests.
