Rulani Mokwena plays it cool ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns reunion

The Algerian champions host Sundowns in what has already been billed as a pivotal clash for Mokwena’s side, who slipped to a 2-1 defeat in their opening Group C fixture away to Al Hilal, and now need points to stay in touch with the group leaders. 

Despite the added drama of facing his old employers, Mokwena says his build-up remained measured and familiar. 

"We prepared like normal, we first had to recover some players from the difficult trip to Rwanda and then make analysis our performance against Al Hilal, and then we started our preparations – like normal for any other opposition or game," said Mokwena.

"We looked at some of the strong points, some of the weak points, and of course try to give enough information – not too much – for the players to be able to play the match and to win.

"So nothing special, it's a Champions League game of course, and a difficult Champions League game – we know this, all games in the Champions League are difficult."

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Mokwena insisted that the years he spent at Sundowns will not give him an edge when the two teams meet. 

"It doesn't help because at the end it's the players who play, but the coaching influence and my past has zero influence on the game," he added.

"The game of football belongs to the players, and they know this – I say this to them; we give them information, we train the team, and in the end they have to execute."