Cape Town – Mamelodi Sundowns will travel to Algeria to face MC Alger in the CAF Champions League, where they will encounter former coach Rulani Mokwena.
Left-winger Aubrey Modiba acknowledged the personal connection but emphasised that professionalism and the pursuit of victory come first.
“We had a very good relationship with the coach and it will be a nice feeling to play against him because it has never happened before and everyone is looking forward to the game,” The Citizen quoted the left-winger as saying.
Our CAF journey continues, Masandawana! ✈️💛
Bafana Ba Style are headed to Algeria to face MC Alger on Friday. 👆🔥#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/hx7sLfzqUp
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) November 25, 2025
“The guys were talking about it that it will be nice seeing him in a different gear but we’re professionals. We have to do what we have to and make sure we win the game. We know how he plays so it will be a tough game for us in Algeria. It’s never easy in North Africa but we have a team that will put up a fight irrespective of who the coach is but it will be nice seeing him again.”
Sundowns began their group-stage campaign strongly with a 3-1 home win over Saint-Éloi Lupopo, with Modiba praising the team’s second-half response but noting room for defensive improvement.
He stressed the challenges of away games in North Africa but expressed confidence in Sundowns’ ability to compete, regardless of the opposition or coaching staff.
According to Soccer Laduma, the upcoming clash carries added weight after MC Alger suffered a 2-1 defeat to Al-Hilal, leaving their campaign under early pressure.<
➡️ Tickets Sold Out For Mokwena’s Return 🎟️
Tickets for the highly anticipated CAF Champions League clash between MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly sold out.
MORE: https://t.co/Lv6wLaUyn8 pic.twitter.com/SioKk6urS5
— Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) November 25, 2025
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Interest in the fixture has surged, with tickets at the 40,000-seater Ali Amar Stadium reportedly selling out in record time, the report said.
The packed home crowd is expected to give Mokwena the backing he has long sought after navigating preliminary rounds without fans.
With MC Alger’s Champions League hopes on the line and Sundowns aiming to maintain momentum, Friday’s match promises to be a high-intensity encounter.
🔥 Absolute Madness in Algiers! 🔥
All match tickets for Friday’s CAF Champions League showdown between MC Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns have officially sold out in just TWO hours.
And remember… today is Sunday. The game is still five days away. 😳
The demand? INSANE.
The… pic.twitter.com/GVqIhU47hM— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) November 23, 2025
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
