Rulani Mokwena and Mamelodi Sundowns Receive Champions Reception During Visit to Mauritania

Rulani Mokwena and Mamelodi Sundowns Receive Champions Reception During Visit to Mauritania

Jarryd Westerdale
February 26, 2024 at 8:53 AM
In this article:
Mamelodi Sundowns logo
Mamelodi Sundowns
South Africa
21
TP Mazembe Englebert logo
TP Mazembe Englebert
Democratic Republic of the Congo
36
F.C. Nouadhibou logo
F.C. Nouadhibou
Mauritania
32
Thembinkosi Lorch logo
T. Lorch
Orlando Pirates logoFSouth Africa logo
Grant Kekana logo
G.Kekana
Mamelodi Sundowns logoDSouth Africa logo
CAF Champions League logo
CAF Champions League
Africa
  • Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed their place in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals
  • Masandawana earned a win over FC Nouadhibou in the West African nation of Mauritania
  • Rulani Mokwena claimed that the team were treated like footballing royalty on their trip

Rulani Mokwena and his Mamelodi Sundowns have earned respect across the continent.

Sundowns were in Mauritania this weekend for their third and final away day in the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

Masandawana won the fixture 2-0, and in the process, made sure to alleviate any pressure for their their final Group A fixture against TP Mazembe.

Rulani Mokwena, Mamelodi Sundowns, CAF Champions League, Nouadhibou, Mauritania, TP Mazambe.
Rulani Mokwena praised the facilities, hospitality and recent progress of Mauritania after Mamelodi Sundowns were victorious against FC Nouadhibou. Photo: @betway_za.
Source: Twitter

Other than the result, Mokwena singled out the warm welcome they received in Mauritania as the highlight of their weekend.

The Sundowns boss praised the quality of the facilities as well as the strides that the Saharan nation has made in recent years. Quoted by SundownsFC, Mokwena said:

“The people of Nouadhibou have received us well and we would like to thank them for their hospitality and the treatment we received while we were in Mauritania. Big up to the Mauritanian Football Association and the work that’s been done here is incredible,”

The win booked Sundowns their sixth straight CAF Champions League quarter-final but they still have to see off TP Mazembe to secure the top spot in the group.

The Congolese giants defeated Pyramids FC 3-0 at home to stay level on points with Sundowns. The PSL team have a tight schedule and it is yet to be seen how Mokwena will manage the load. As reported by IOL, he said:

"We need to take it one game at a time and see what we have to do against Mazembe."

Sundowns play AmaZulu in a midweek league fixture before playing the Congolese on Saturday afternoon.

Thembinkosi Lorch scores first Sundowns goal

Sports Brief recently reported on the first goal scored by Mamelodi Sundowns recruit, Thembinkosi Lorch.

Lorch was on the scoresheet alongside Grant Kekana as they secured a deserving CAF Champions League win.

Fans praised the former Orlando Pirates playmaker for choosing to showcase his talents on Africa's biggest stage.

Authors
Jarryd Westerdale photo
Jarryd Westerdale
Jarryd Westerdale (based in Johannesburg) joined Sports Brief after four years in the community journalism sphere. He is a two-time Alet Roux Award winner and was a finalist in multiple categories at the Forum of Community Journalism Excellence Awards.