Rulani Mokwena has responded to questions over concerns about Mamelodi Sundowns, who will have just days of rest before featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a season of over 50 matches of domestic and international football.
Sundowns had as many as 11 players at the Africa Cup of Nations representing Bafana Bafana – the most from any single team across the nations present at the tournament.
Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Thapelo Maseko and Ronwen Williams all returned carrying injuries from national team duty, much to Mokwena's frustration.
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Nevertheless, The Brazilians had just enough depth in their squad to continue and wrap up a seventh consecutive league title triumph, while also securing a spot in the final of the Nedbank Cup.
There won't be much rest for Sundowns' stars as Bafana are set to return to action on 7 and 11 June against Nigeria and Zimbabwe for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking to media after Sundowns' 2-0 victory against Royal AM on Tuesday night, Mokwena would not be drawn into commenting on the matter.
"No, I'm not in talks with SAFA, I don't have a relationship with the coach of the South African Football Association [Bafana coach Hugo Broos], so I focus on what I can do," Mokwena said.
"So, I'd rather stay out of that space and manage what I can manage, which is my players, and try my level best to ensure that they are fit, they are strong and that they are enjoying their football.
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Mokwena and Broos recently had a somewhat public fall-out when the Bafana coach was quoted by Belgian media accusing Mokwena of 'pretending to be God'.
Broos also took issue with the 37-year-old tactician speaking about players Sundowns players' injuries publicly, without informing the federation first.
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