Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has sent a heartfelt congratulatory message to Stellenbosch FC and Steve Barker, saying winning a trophy has been long-time coming.
Stellenbosch beat TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties during their intense Carling Knockout final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
CAF Champions League Group A
Ahead of their CAF Champions League Group A reverse fixture against Egyptian side Pyramids FC on Tuesday, Mokwena congratulated Stellies. He said the football Gods have finally repaid them for their hard work for the past season.
“It was great to hear that Stellenbosch were crowned Carling Knockout champions and it was a long time coming,” Mokwena said.
“They have been playing exceptionally well, especially the last couple of seasons where they were semi-finalists [in the MTN8].
Great effort rewarded
“So, eventually the football Gods have repaid them and congratulations to Steve Barker, who is a great gentleman of football. We look up to him as one of the godfathers of the coaching fraternity of football.
“We want to extend our congratulatory message as Mamelodi Sundowns to the entire Stellenbosch football club, the players and management.”
Meanwhile, the Brazilians are in a group of death, as they are all level on four points with DR Congo giants TP Mazembe, Nouadhibou of Mauritania, and Pyramids.
Having been held to a frustrating goalless draw in the first leg at home, Mokwena said the aim is to finish the group strong. He said that will have to start by getting a positive result against Pyramids away.
“We know we have got three games to go and two of them are away matches and it will start with this one against Pyramids,” he said.
Tough road ahead
“Then we will have to go to Mauritania, of which will also be difficult because it’ll be on an artificial pitch – the conditions are extremely difficult with the weather.
“We will then finish off against Mazembe and hopefully by then we will not only make sure that we qualify from the group but also finish first.
“But we will take it one game at a time and give it all that we have because we have some very difficult games to play before the end of the year.”
Sundowns and Pyramids will lock horns at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. Kick-off time is at 6pm.
