Rulani Mokwena adamant 2023/24 campaign a huge success

Despite losing the Nedbank Cup final to Orlando Pirates at the weekend, Mokwena pointed to their near-perfect run in the DStv Premiership as evidence that Sundowns got the biggest prize of them all. 

"We take the double. We've done incredible work this season, and I think, if you look at what we've done," said Mokwena.

"29 games unbeaten in the league; setting new records for number of points; equaling a clean sheet record that's been there for so long; 49 games without a defeat, someone told me; number of away wins in a season; eight double wins [home and away] in a season."

The double Mokwena refers to is the domestic title as well as the inaugural African Football League, which the coach says was their ultimate target. 

"Winning the AFL, which for me and the club, at the beginning of the season, it was very clear that the AFL was the number one priority," he added.

"Winning that, plus the league title, which I think is very, very important because it's the seventh consecutive for the club."

By reaching the semifinals of the CAF Champions League, Sundowns also confirmed their place at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup to be held in the USA next year.

Another box ticked, Mokwena says.

"We qualified for the Club World Cup, which is a consequence of a lot of hard work, not only in this season but also last season, and a lot of people said, 'But against Al Hilal, why did you put your strongest team? Why did Ronwen [Williams] save that penalty and not knock Al Ahly out?'

"Now you understand why all of those results catch up with you because its points that give you possibilities to qualify for a major tournament, which was another big objective for the club."

READ: Mokwena at a loss to explain Nedbank Cup defeat