How Rhulani saved defender Lebusa’s career at Sundowns

As he was linked with a move from Mamelodi Sundowns, defender Mosa Lebusa reveals how coach Rhulani Mokwena saved his career and told him to stay.

Lebusa confirms the rumours that he was indeed linked with a move from Sundowns but Mokwena had a chat with him and the rest is history.

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The former Ajax Cape Town defender Lebusa says Mokwena challenged him to work hard at Sundowns because he needed him in his squad.

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HOW RHULANI SAVED DEFENDER LEBUSA’S CAREER AT SUNDOWNS

Born in Welkom, Lebusa also expressed delight after helping Sundowns lift the African Football League last weekend, beating Wydad Casablanca.

“Yeah, there was talk of me leaving the club and I had a one-on-one with the coach and he told me that he needs me in the team and I have to make sure I work hard,” said Lebusa to the media.

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“He even said that every chance I get I must work hard for the team. I think it was a bit emotional today [Sunday] because we worked so hard.

“After all, in the Champions League last season, the very same team knocked us out at the same stadium in front of our supporters, so we had to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistake.”

The versatile defender is a key member of the Sundowns squad and his ambition is to win the CAF Champions League this season.

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LEBUSA HAILS SUNDOWNS TEAMMATES AFTER AFL GLORY

Having formed a solid partnership with the likes of Abdelmounaim Boutuoil and Grant Kekana as well as Khuliso Mudau at the back, Lebusa hails his teammates.

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🏆 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗡𝗧 🏆

Mamelodi Sundowns are the first-ever African Football League Champions!! 🌍🌟 #Sundowns #DownsLive #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/q3jAn0C550

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) November 12, 2023

Sundowns beat Wydad 2-0 to lift the inaugural AFL trophy following a 2-1 loss in the first leg away in Morocco.

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“I think we know each other very well. Throughout the tournament there have been different pairings in the centreback, and also in the final, the coach comes and calls a different pairing and we know that even though we have not played much, we have to do the job,” Lebusa adds.

“The guys up front are depending on us to make sure that we keep the clean sheet. I think the understanding among the group is very good. That’s the maturity we have and we know each other’s weaknesses.

“With the AFL title in the bag now, Lebusa, 31, has set his sights on winning the CAF Champions League title with Masandawana.

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“Since I came into this club, we have a winning culture and I just want to keep winning. Winning the Champions League is a feeling I’ve never experienced and I would like to win it.”

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