Sundowns not taking feet off the pedal in CAF CL – Mokwena

Mamelodi Sundowns turn their focus to the CAF Champions League and coach Rhulani Mokwena says they won’t take their feet off the pedal after winning the African Football League.

Sundowns are still celebrating their AFL glory after beating Wydad Casablanca 3-2 on aggregate last Sunday – but Mokwena demands hunger from his men.

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Already working hard in training, Sundowns will face Mauritanian side FC Nouadhibou in the Champions League group stage encounter next week.

The Brazilians are now gunning for their second continental title since lifting it in 2016 under ex-coach Pitso Mosimane and Mokwena aims to do well this season.

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SUNDOWNS NOT TAKING FEET OFF PEDAL – MOKWENA

The Brazilians’ mentor, Mokwena says his troops are aware that there’s no room for complacency at Sundowns.

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“They know they will be in trouble with me (if they become complacent) there will be big issues,” Mokwena said per The Citizen.

“But this is a special group of players, believe me. We lost in Casablanca 2-1 and we had a training session the next day and I can tell you that we trained like a team that has just lost 5-0.

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“The mentality from that training session was unbelievable and this is what makes this group so special, their loyalty and commitment, so don’t worry because there will be no sense of complacency and I will not allow it.”

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LEBUSA ON HOW MOKWENA SAVED HIM

In addition, The South African reported that defender Mosa Lebusa revealed how Mokwena saved his career at Sundowns.

The Welkom-born defender also expressed delight after helping Sundowns lift the AFL last weekend, beating Wydad.

“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 lucrative Champions League this term.