Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena believes he still has four more years to the CAF Champions League.
Despite winning the DStv Premiership three times in a row, the 37-year-old is yet to reach a Champions League final. Under Pitso Mosimane, the Brazilians managed to win the title in his fourth year in charge. At the time, Mokwena was his assistant alongside Manqoba Mngqithi.
Having lost to Esperance in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, Rulani Mokwena has to inspire his team. A win by two clear goals will see Masandawana reach their first CAF final in eight years.
“I have the feeling that we don’t understand the Champions League. I look at the Champions League with a different perspective because I have been here before,” Mokwena said as per Sowetan Live.
Rulani Mokwena confident he can win Champions League
“I was an assistant coach to the previous coach [Pitso Mosimane] for a very long time and the last coach was here for eight years. He had eight years to try and win the Champions League and we only won the competition once.”
Mokwena has extended his stay with Sundowns for another four years, giving him several chances to win the Champions League
“Now, what gives us the right to think it’s just going to be a walk in the park and win the competition? We have to work hard for it,” he said.
“I got a four-year contract here and all I’m asking for from the Sundowns fans is give me four years to try and win.
“I’m not asking for eight. Give me four years to try and win the Champions League. It’s going to happen,” Mokwena added. It’s not going to be easy. It is not going to be a win all the time.”
Downs have Esperance to deal with on Friday
Fans have often criticised Mokwena for failing to win the Champions League since taking over as head coach. The 37-year-old has never passed the semi-finals and could bow out in the same stage this campaign.