Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena is under no illusions of the challenge that awaits his side to eliminate the reigning CAF Champions League winners in the second leg semi-final on Saturday afternoon.
Sundowns returned unscathed from Casablanca with a 0-0 scoreline from the first leg despite finishing the match with nine men due to red cards against Neo Maema and Marcelo Allende at the Stade Mohamed V.
But the reigning champions, who are still in contention for the domestic cup and Botola Pro title provide an unpredictable challenge.
They have made four coaching changes and have endured severe criticism from their supporters and media for their displays this season, but Mokwena acknowledges this means nothing as they’ve shown fighting spirit throughout all the outside noise.
“I think the level of what they have achieved and to still be subjected to the level of criticism is the answer [to why they are so hard to beat],” Mokwena said when asked by iDiski Times in the pre-match press conference.
“Even when they do well, there’s still a demand, not just for themselves for sure, I think but also from their supporters and their media. I can only speak about what I see and what I see is a team with very good players, I see a team that has a good identity and structure.
“I see a team that has the right type of profile of players [with quality players from defence, midfield, to attack that can execute their game plan].
“You asked me about the team, I can only say about what I have seen and what I’ve watched, maybe eight or nine games, including our match.
“My only perspective on this team cannot be influenced by what is written and what is said but only based on what I see and what I see. There’s big respect and a big appreciation for the type of team Wydad are.”
Sundowns host the Moroccan giants on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld (15h00).
