'We can't tell Rulani what to do'

Augusto Palacios says Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena knows exactly what he should expect in tonight's do-or-die CAF Champions League fixture against Esperance. 

The Premier Soccer League champions host Esperance from Tunisia in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, with the South Africans needing to score to overturn the 1-0 away deficit from last week's tie away from home.

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"With the quality players Rulani Mokwena have, Sundowns are going through," Palacios tells KickOff.

"Rulani knows what he is going to do, it is not the first time he finds himself in this situation. Today, Sundowns will pass to the next round, I'm confident. We can't tell Rulani what to do because already he knows the responsibility.

"His players have the experience from the national team, the PSL, and also the CAF Champions League.

"Why should we be scared just because he lost 1-0? He's got the material.

"It's going to be a tough game for both teams, but I'm optimistic about Sundowns' chances.

"The Sundowns players are very united, his decision to rest some players against Sekhukhune United was a very good one, the other players must also earn their salaries," he adds.

The former Orlando Pirates coach also touched on the tactics the North African side might employ in this crucial fixture that also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA Club World Cup.

"Esperance is a very physical team, a very strong team. They can park the bus and play on the counter-attack, nd Rulani is already aware of all those things.

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"But I still believe Sundowns have a huge chance of moving to the next round."

The match will be played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium