Rulani Mokwena reacts to CAF CL draw against Yanga

The Downs mentor is by no means undermining the Tanzanian giants, but the question came soon after his side were held to a 1-1 draw in the DStv Premiership by SuperSport United a few hours later on Tuesday night.

Mokwena explained that his attention was more on the Tshwane Derby at the time the draw was taking place in Cairo.

''My thoughts on the Champions League draw, I'm not so sure yet. Of course I watched the draw but I can't tell you my immediate thoughts - because I have got to watch the opponent closely,'' said Mokwena.

Sundowns will tackle Yanga, as they are known, over two legs and Mokwena plans to use the upcoming international recess to make notes on a side that stands between them and a place in the semifinals.

''I have watched all the opponents, all the games in the Champions League. But I've watched a coach not as an analyst and now I have to switch. Fortunately I have a FIFA break coming up where my focus will just be on Yanga, I will go as far back as I possibly can,'' added Mokwena.

Yanga are currently top of the Tanzanian Premier League and seem to have adjusted quickly to the methods of coach Miguel Gamondi – all the facts that Mokwena is aware of ahead of their fixture.

''They've got a good coach in Miguel Gamondi, he was at Sundowns, a very organised team with a very good structure. So, let's see before I jump into conclusions, because now I have got to focus on the next game against Maritzburg, which is a tough one,'' he concluded.

Indeed Maritzburg could be a banana peel in the Nedbank Cup round of 16, a match Mokwena believes they have to approach with caution given they are already expected to brush the Team of Choice aside.

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