MAMELODI Sundowns legend Hlompho Kekana has shared his excitement and respect ahead of Masandawana's CAF Champions League campaign where they'll face MC Alger, now led by none other than former Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena.
The CAF draw took place on Tuesday, 4 November and placed Sundowns in a challenging group alongside MC Alger (Algeria), Al Hilal SC (Sudan), and FC Saint Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo).
The stage is set for an emotional reunion between the defending South African champions and their former tactician, Mokwena, who recently took charge of the Algerian giants.
Kekana, who captained Sundowns to continental glory in 2016, said fans should look forward to a thrilling encounter.
"I think what I like about this fixture is the fact that he's coming in a two-leg affair. You know, that will give us enough time, you know, to enjoy these moments because in a group stage, you'd want to meet everybody, to be honest. But you know coach, we know him very well. He knows us very well," Kekana said.
Mokwena's move to MC Alger shocked many in the local football scene earlier this year. The 38-year-old mentor left Sundowns after one of the most dominant eras in South African football history.
During his tenure, Mokwena won four consecutive DStv Premiership titles, establishing himself as one of the most successful young coaches on the continent.
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He nearly guided Sundowns to an unbeaten domestic league season in 2023/24, only losing on the final day to Cape Town City. Mokwena's focus now is on restoring MC Alger's dominance in North African football and facing his former team will undoubtedly be personal.
Kekana believes Sundowns' current squad has what it takes to go all the way in Africa once again.
"It would be a nice encounter, you know, just to see where our team in terms of the level would, in terms of the fitness and of course, some of the things that we want to try in the Champions League this year," he explained.
The legendary midfielder also praised Mokwena's tactical mind, saying his presence will elevate the competition.
"Yeah, it would be nice to see how we're going to do things, especially in the group stage. We want to make sure that we seal it early. Yeah," he said.
With history, pride, and tactical mastery on the line, the showdown between Mokwena's MC Alger and Sundowns is more than just another group-stage tie - it's a battle of brains, legacy, and ambition.
