Can Mokwena topple Downs?

The draw for the CAF Champions League has officially been conducted, paving the way for Africa's elite clubs to battle for the continent's most prestigious prize. The tournament's scriptwriters have once again delivered compelling storylines to ignite the group stage — from Pyramids FC and RS Berkane's ambitions to join the continent's traditional heavyweights, to Rhulani Mokwena's emotionally charged reunion with Mamelodi Sundowns, and Al Ahly's attempt to reassert their dominance after recent setbacks. Soccer Laduma's Kamogelo Motecwane takes a closer look at the narratives, rivalries and ambitions that will define this season's competition.

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The draw for the CAF Champions League has officially been conducted, paving the way for Africa's elite clubs to battle for the continent's most prestigious prize. The tournament's scriptwriters have once again delivered compelling storylines to ignite the group stage - from Pyramids FC and RS Berkane's ambitions to join the continent's traditional heavyweights, to Rhulani Mokwena's emotionally charged reunion with Mamelodi Sundowns, and Al Ahly's attempt to reassert their dominance after recent setbacks. Soccer Laduma's Kamogelo Motecwane takes a closer look at the narratives, rivalries and ambitions that will define this season's competition.

Every edition of the CAF Champions League provides its fair share of subplots, but few are as captivating as coach Rhulani Mokwena's return to face his former club Mamelodi Sundowns. Mokwena's new side, MC Alger, have been drawn alongside the South African champions in Group C, setting up one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament.

For Mokwena, this is more than a reunion — it's a full-circle moment. The 38-year-old's ties to Ka Bo Yellow run deep. Having worked his way up from youth coach to head coach, he became the face of the club's modern era. Yet his tenure ended acrimoniously. After guiding Sundowns to within one match of completing an unbeaten domestic season - only to lose 1-0 to Cape Town City on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign - Mokwena departed by mutual consent following an alleged fallout with Masandawana Sporting Director Flemming Berg.

In the aftermath, coach Manqoba Mngqithi briefly took over before Portuguese tactician Miguel Cardoso assumed the reins. Mokwena, meanwhile, embarked on a North African adventure that has already been eventful. He joined Wydad Athletic Club in Morocco, but failed to complete a full season, and was dismissed shortly before the end of the campaign amid internal instability.