Carelse: Rulani is one of the best in Africa

Former Mamelodi Sundowns player Brent Carelse has come to the defence of head coach Rulani Mokwena regarding the club's recent performances.

On Saturday evening, Sundowns were beaten 1-0 by Esperance in Tunisia in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final.

Despite dominating in the first leg, Sundowns could not get an equaliser and will have to secure a win in the second leg on Friday night.

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"We still stand a chance, 1-0 is not a train smash, we can easily come back from this," Carelse tells KickOff.

"You know people will always have something to say about you, especially if you are a head coach at clubs like Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

"I think coach Rulani has proven himself over and over and again, he is currently one of the top coaches in Africa.

"I'm sure he wants to get out of this slump as soon as possible and continue to do as well as he has been doing.

"He is doing a fantastic job and I wish he continues making the fans happy.

"Yes, it's a bump in the road, but not a train smash. The fat lady will only sing after the second leg.

"It's not the first time they find themselves in this situation Sundowns. There's going to be a risk that will have to be taken. They will have to attack from rhe word go though.

"The offensive players at Sundowns create a lot of opportunities, hopefully, they will convert them in the second leg.

"The Ribeiros, the Themba Zwanes, and the Shalulies, those guys can score for you at any given time.

"I have also played in the Champions League, it's not like Sundowns did anything wrong in Tunisia, it's just thaf Esperance did their homework very well.

"Not many African teams are good at that,