Facing Downs, Pirates will be one of his biggest challenges

Newly appointed MC Alger coach Rulani Mokwena will be chomping at the bit to face his former clubs Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League this season.

- By Kgomotso Mokoena

Mokwena has already departed for the Algerian capital, where he joined his new charges for off-season preparations, which will start in earnest tomorrow. Last season, Mokwena missed out on CAF interclub football competition with Morocco giants Wydad Athletic, with whom he parted ways at the end of the season.

Mokwena, who is one of the youngest and brightest coaching minds on the continent, has been tasked with the arduous responsibility of restoring the glory of one of Africa's successful and competent clubs.

Not a lot of 37-year-olds have had the rare opportunity to coach at such a high level on the continent. Mokwena opened up to Sunday World before his departure, and mentioned that facing the Buccaneers and Sandawana will be one of his biggest assignments in the coming campaign.