Mokwena and the minds shaping CAF Champions League group stages

THE African club football season will kick off on Friday with the start of the CAF Champions League group stages, a competition renowned for its unpredictability and fierce rivalry.

- HERMAN GIBBS

As clubs across the continent ramp up their preparations, attention shifts to the tacticians who will steer their teams through this critical phase.

The group stages are marked not only by the skill displayed on the pitch, but also by the strategic prowess of the coaches at the helm.

As the competition intensifies, here are three key tacticians to watch as they look to guide their teams toward success in this prestigious tournament.

Rulani Mokwena (MC Alger)

He is the only South African coach in this season's CAF Champions League group stages. Mokwena’s journey from a successful tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns to Algeria's MC Alger is a narrative worth following.

Algeria's domestic league ranks third in Africa behind Egypt and Morocco, and Mokwena has an unblemished record after eight games this season. He is fast emerging as a beacon of innovation and tactical prowess.

While at Sundowns, he demonstrated his keen eye for talent and developed a playing style that fans admired. He had a knack for fostering player development, and instilling a winning mentality was pivotal in securing multiple league titles and domestic cups.