Mamelodi Sundowns during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 Mamelodi Sundowns training at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 22 January 2026 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026. 13:00
Mamelodi Sundowns have suspended performance analyst Mario Masha after allegations that tactical information was leaked to MC Alger head coach and former Sundowns boss Rulani Mokwena ahead of their CAF Champions League decider on Saturday.
This is according to SABC Sport.
Masha is a longstanding member of the club’s technical team, having joined the Brazilians during former coach Pitso Mosimane’s tenure, and has reportedly denied any wrongdoing.
Despite his denial of the allegations, he has been placed on precautionary suspension and will be subject to an internal disciplinary hearing, according to the state broadcaster.
Speaking after his side’s 1-1 draw with Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Sunday, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso alluded to information being leaked from the Brazilians’ camp.
“I hope the opponent doesn’t guess or know how we are going to play. I hope that is controlled so we can make it a fair game from our side,” said Cardoso.
Mokwena, now leading MC Alger, served as an assistant coach under Mosimane before taking over as head coach in October 2022. His tenure in charge of the South Africa Champions ended in July 2024.
In group C of the CAF Champions League, Al Hilal S.C. sits atop the standings with eight points, closely followed by MC Alger on seven points, Sundowns on six points, and Lupopo on five.
Provided Al Hilal secures a win or draw at home against Lupopo, Sundowns will need a victory to advance to the knockout stage of the competition, while a draw or win will be enough to send MC Alger through.
Much is at stake in what is set to be a fiery return for Mokwena.
By Nic Gleeson