Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has opened up on the praise of Yaya Toure stating the club’s influence makes Bafana Bafana among the favourites for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Bafana are set to begin to camp in the Western Cape this week ahead of their trip to the Ivory Coast, where Toure has lauded them amongst the favourites for the title.
With Sundowns dominating the domestic scene and winning the African Football League, plaudits have naturally poured in for Mokwena’s side, while Toure also noted the performances of Hugo Broos’ men in the qualifiers for the continental event.
“I’m humbled by that, there’s a lot of talk about [Bafana being favourites because of Sundowns’ success]. After the AFL, Jay-Jay Okocha spoke to me, a very nice guy who I was privileged to meet when I was doing analysis in studio,” Mokwena said.
“An incredible human being and the words he said about the team are incredible, you heard what the Morocco coach speaks about Bafana and the influence of Sundowns players in Bafana – these words are not coming from me.
“But there are people who still doubt this team and question their level of performance, still talk negatively about them – it’s okay, one thing I’ve accepted. I just allow God to let his will be done, that’s it. Let God’s will be done.
“There are people outside who see this thing, who value it and praise it and there are people who should be emotionally attached to it, protecting it with everything they have but… ya. Then you get this type of officiating, I mean South African football is in big trouble…”
South Africa are in Group E alongside Mali, Tunisia and Namibia – where they are based in Khorogo for the duration of the group stages.
