Rulani Mokwena was seen embracing one of Yanga SC's brightest stars but was the Downs coach playing agent?
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What's the story?
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena was seen having a conversation with Young Africans star Stephane Aziz Ki after his side's dramatic win over the Tanzanians.
Aziz Ki put on a stellar display in the second-leg of Sundowns and Yanga SC's CAF Champions League Quarter-final match, with the Burkinabe star already being linked with one of the Soweto giants.
Read: Kapinga's Post Match Romance
Was Rulani trying to recruit the menacing forward? Let's take a closer look...
Rulani Trying to recruit Pirates' Yanga target?
Masandawana progressed to the CAF Champions League semi-finals for the second-year-running after narrowly beating Yanga SC, 3-2 on penalties following a goalless two-legs of football.
28-year-old Yanga SC attacking midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki was a thorn in the flesh for Downs' resolute defence at Loftus on Friday evening.
The Burkina Faso international was at the centre of controversy when his powerful effort connected with the crossbar and bounced down onto the goal line, bouncing back into play in what looked like a legitimate goal in the 59th minute.
Dehane Beida waved play on and went on to check it on VAR, which confirmed the referee's 'no goal' decision.
It's now been reported that Aziz Ki is being monitored by Orlando Pirates, who were said to be impressed by the midfielder's display against the Brazilians on Friday.
After the penalty shoot-out, Rulani was seen embracing Aziz Ki and having a conversation with him, which was captured in a short clip that's been circulating heavily on social media.
Rulani's seemingly friendly chat with Aziz Ki was abruptly ended by a Yanga official, who yanked the star away from the Masandawana boss in dramatic fashion.
Read: 'NiWeak! Chiefs Fans eMonti Blast Players
Watch:
?? What is up with the Young Africans official pulling Aziz Ki away from @coach_rulani.
— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) April 8, 2024
What did they think? He is busy getting signed up? ?? It's clear that he was given words of encouragement after a tough loss.
Super strange. pic.twitter.com/aF55MnBiL9
Was Rulani promising the Pirates-linked a spot in his team for next season? The baller's contract is set to expire in June 2024.
Here's how fans on Twitter/X speculated over Rulani's interaction with Yanga's star player:
His going to sign him, wait and see.. https://t.co/TovWC9OBwM
— IG:KamzaMogotsi (@KamoMogotsi) April 8, 2024
maybe he already "has an eye" on the player, dont be surprised if you see him in Tshwane next season??
— s'bulele mbalo ???? (@sibulelembalo) April 8, 2024
And I hear is on his last six months anyway??If they want him, no security guard can stop that.
— Tsepo Malusi ?????????? (@malusi_tsepo) April 8, 2024
Those officials were just emotional. They themselves failed to give one of their own some attention coz he gave his all so he was a bit emotional to lose …
— Sir Nungu (@NunguSompisi) April 8, 2024
Word has it that he is yet to renew his contract which is expiring in a few months. So they viewed this as an attempt to lure their player away.
— Radah Peter ?????? (@PeterSentongo10) April 8, 2024
The message went through:
— Lungile Sibiya #KBY ?????? (@LungstarSibiya) April 8, 2024
"If you want to play in the 2025 club world dm me boy I'll sort you out"
Poaching can easily happen there, he was clearly the best player on the day.
— ???????????????????? ?????????????? (@Sihle_Congo) April 8, 2024
I CANT HOLD MY SELF ??
— #2023 AFL Champions ?? (@maetsebane) April 9, 2024
I love this boy STEPHANE AZIZ KI
Ive been checking his videos the guy is a machine give him the ball and tell him to play freely he wil show you flames ??????
I just wish! Just Wish! ??????
Sundowns Dumela pic.twitter.com/tjLRNR1HNz
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Could you picture Stephane Aziz Ki in the DStv Premiership?
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