Aubrey Modiba eager for three points from Rulani Mokwena reunion

The Brazilians head into their clash against MC Alger brimming with confidence after a 3-1 victory over Saint-Eloi Lupopo in their Group C opener, and they’re determined to carry that momentum into North Africa.

Modiba admitted he is looking forward to seeing Mokwena again, though he remains intent on leaving Algeria with another victory – even if it comes at his former mentor’s expense.

"We had a very good relationship with our coach, and it's going to be a nice feeling to play against him because it's never happened before," said Modiba.

"Everyone is looking forward to the game and, as guys, we were speaking about how it's going to be nice seeing him, [even thought it's] in different gear, but we are professionals, we have to do what we have to do – make sure we win the game. 

"We know how he plays, it's going to be tough in Algeria, as it's never easy in North Africa, but we've got a team that will put up a fight, irrespective of who's the coach, but it's going to be a nice feeling to see him again."

The Bafana Bafana international emphasised the need to collect maximum points in their own backyard, given the unpredictable nature of the competition.  

"It's very important to win games at home because away games are never easy, the conditions, the pitches, but we don't complain or dwell on that because we've been in the Champions League for so long and we know what to expect," he added.

"So winning at home [against Lupopo] gives us an edge going into other games, especially away from home because we know it's not going to be easy, in Congo – we know what they did [against Orlando Pirate], so it's very important that we win at home."

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