Rulani Mokwena Wants to Step Out of Pitso Mosimane’s Shadow in CAF Champions League

• Pitso Mosimane left Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020 and the club has not won Africa's biggest trophy
• Masandawana won the African Football League but that competition lacks the established prestige
• Rulani Mokwena will lead Sundowns into the premier continental tournament again this weekend

One more rung on the ladder needs to be climbed to silence all doubters. Mamelodi Sundowns venture into African competition again when they host Nouadhibou in the CAF Champions League group stage.

Going into the competition, Masandwana are on a high after claiming the inaugural African Football League crown but coach, Rulani Mokwena is channelling the words of his own idol and inspiration.

Mokwena often uses Pep Guardiola as a source of inspiration and said, as quoted by FARPost:

''Winning is an imposter, you’re not entitled to it'. This is what Pep Guardiola was saying to Manchester City players and fans, don’t take winning for granted. Don’t get spoilt by it."

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Sundowns may have won the league six times in a row but winning the CAF Champions League will still be the marker of success, especially if Mokwena wants to end any comparisons with Pitso Mosimane.

The former Al Wahda boss has himself noticed the striking similarities between Sundowns and Manchester City, with Hollywoodbets quoting Mosimane saying that the South African team's time will come.

Mosimane is credited for instilling the winning mindset associated with Chloorkop. Goal elaborated on how he created a level playing field by cutting bloated salaries and ensuring players were playing for the right reasons.

In the space of 34 days, Sundowns have 10 matches scheduled: four Champions League ties and six league games.

The Champions League group includes fellow AFL participants TP Mazembe and Pyramids FC, who are currently second in the Egyptian Premier League.

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Where will Pitso Mosimane go next?

Prior to leaving Al Wahda, Sports Brief compiled a list of possible destinations for Pitso Mosimane.

He has long sought a coaching role in Europe but believes big clubs are reluctant to hire Africans.

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