Analyst suspended as Sundowns probe alleged leak to Rulani Mokwena

Masha, one of the longest-serving technical staff member, having joined during Pitso Mosimane’s tenure, is understood to have denied the accusations but placed on precautionary suspension either way.  

Sundowns host Mokwena’s MC Alger in a high-stakes final group stage encounter that will determine which of the two sides advances to the quarterfinals alongside either current group leaders Al Hilal or Saint Éloi Lupopo.

Following their 1-1 draw away to Lupopo in Lubumbashi on Sunday – a result that left Sundowns needing victory against the Algerian champions to progress – coach Miguel Cardoso delivered a pointed message that raised eyebrows.

“We hope that on the day of the match we have a full stadium to support the team, and nothing more. I hope the opponent doesn’t guess or know how we are going to play. I hope that is controlled so we can make it a fair game from our side,” said the Portuguese mentor.

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Shortly thereafter, news emerged of Masha’s suspension, with the analyst being fingered as the alleged source of the leak ahead of Mokwena’s highly anticipated return to Loftus Stadium this weekend.

MC Alger, meanwhile, have made no secret of their intentions, insisting the trip to South Africa is strictly business.

“This is not about taking my players to visit friends and family or go on safari,” Mokwena said recently as victory for his charges would secure their passage into the knockout stages. Masha now awaits an internal disciplinary hearing, where he will seek to clear his name in a saga that has left colleagues shaken, given his more than decade-long service to the club.