Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes it is too early to judge Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena despite another CAF Champions League heartbreak.
Mokwena’s Sundowns lost the CAF Champions League semi-final against ES de Tunis 2-0 on aggregate over two legs to falter yet again at this stage in Africa’s premium inter-club competition.
Sundowns are running away with the domestic league title, currently topping the chats with 56 points after 22 matches, that’s 13 points from their nearest rival, as they are highly likely to qualify for the competition again next season.
The Chloorkop side are also the defending champions of the African Football League (AFL) and, despite their Champions League campaign coming to an end on Friday, they will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup next year.
After Mokwena said in midweek that he will deliver the Champions League in four years, Khanye also pleaded with the club’s fans and management to give the coach more time to prove himself in Africa’s elite club competition.
“For now it’s still early, I mean he just won the Super League (AFL),” said Khanye on iDiski TV.
“I think it was the first trophy after the MTN 8 and he won it. Winning the DStv Premiership is something Sundowns are used to, they will win it again even next season and the following years.
“So honestly now we can’t judge him harshly because definitely they want to win the Champions League that’s why they are winning the DStv Premiership every year because they want to participate there.
“They did not reach the semi-final with the intention to lose. I mean you can see their body language and facial expression when they lose. I’ll give him the benefit because he has won the Super League and he has already won the league for me.
“Even for next year, let’s be honest he is likely to reach the quarter and semis of the Champions League, maybe even win it. Even if he wins it next year, it’s the following year that he will be under pressure in my opinion.
“He has done well for a young coach and has a bright future ahead of him. I’m pleading for humility from him because sometimes I feel he makes emotional decisions in terms of his selections.
“I also think supporters and the president they need to be patient because this is a tough competition.”
You can listen to Khanye’s full analysis of the CAFCL semi-final second leg between Mamelodi Sundowns and ES de Tunis on IDiski TV officially YouTube channel.
