Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena couldn’t contain his emotions as his team triumphed in the inaugural African Football League, orchestrating a stunning comeback from a first-leg deficit to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Facing a 2-1 loss in the finals first leg, the Brazilians delivered a scintillating performance in the decisive second leg, winning 2-0 with goals from Peter Shalulile and Aubrey Modiba. The Loftus Versfeld Stadium echoed with cheers from the Sundowns supporters who witnessed their team clinch the historic title.
In a post-match interview with SABC Sport TV, Mokwena expressed his heartfelt congratulations to his exceptional players, dedicating the triumph to them and the unwavering Sundowns fanbase.
🤔 ℂ𝕆𝔸ℂℍ'𝕊 ℝ𝔼𝔸ℂ𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ 🤔
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) November 12, 2023
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena's reaction after their #AFLFinals victory! #SABCSportFootball #AFL pic.twitter.com/2hLPn5xelK
“Congratulations to this amazing group of players. I’m just very lucky to be their coach; congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns,” Mokwena exclaimed passionately.
Acknowledging the vital role played by the fans, he continued, “It’s for the fans, it’s for the yellow nation, it’s for this magnificent group of players, it’s for our chairman, unbelievable support he has always given to me.”
Mokwena also extended his gratitude to the coaching staff and key figures within the Sundowns organization, expressing the team’s unity and the support system behind their success.
“Bra Stan (Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala), it’s for Yugesh (Singh), the technical staff, coach Manqoba (Mngqithi), coach Wendell (Robinson), coach Michael (Loftman), and this magnificent group of players. Congratulations to everybody,” Mokwena declared with evident joy.
Struggling to find words in the midst of overwhelming emotions, he added, “It’s difficult to talk. The conditions are very difficult, but God is good and God loves us all.”
The victory propels Sundowns into the spotlight, with their next challenge set for November 24th at 18h00, facing Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou in a CAF Champions League Group Stage clash at Loftus Stadium.
