Rhulani Mokwena Nominated for COSAFA Award - Downs Braced for Esperance Battle

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has been shortlisted for the inaugural COSAFA Awards later this month. The young tactician guided Sundowns to the DSTV Premiership title last season and lifted the African Football League crown.

• Mokwena Nominated for COSAFA Men’s Coach of the Year award
• Esperance Confident Ahead of Sundowns Tussle
• What Sundowns Need to Reach FIFA Club World Club 2025

Mokwena has been nominated alongside Namibian national team coach Collin Benjamin and Jwaneng Galaxy coach Morena Ramoreboli.

The judges issued the following statement: 

Esperance Sportive de Tunis coach Miguel Cardoso is optimistic about his side’s chance against Mamelodi Sundowns. The Tunisian club reached the semi-finals after beating ASEC Mimosas on penalties.

The former Celta Vigo coach said: “We’re confident in our abilities. I thank my players who worked hard and made the dreams of our supporters possible.

“I know that the president has invested enormously in building this team.

“I’m taking this opportunity to dedicate this qualification to him and I’m personally very happy to have contributed to it.”

With the extended format of next year’s FIFA Club World Cup, Sundowns still have a chance of qualifying. The tournament will be held in the USA in June and July next year.

CAF has four spots in the 32-club showpiece Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca already qualified. 

Sundowns are battling Esperance and TP Mazembe for the two remaining places. Should they win this year’s CAF Champions League, they will qualify. 

If the Brazilians make it to the final, they will also secure a place. Their final route into the Club World Cup is if Al Ahly make it to the final.