Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena shows that he is more than just a coach with his touching gesture to defender Mothobi Mvala, following their elimination from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Wydad Casablanca.
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Sundowns came within minutes of reaching their first Champions League final since winning the competition in 2016; however, an error in judgement late into the match by the defender saw him turn the ball into his own net.
Although Sundowns did not lose the match, the 2-2 draw saw the away-goal rule prove enough for the holders of the competition to sneak into the final where they will once again face Al Ahly.
For Sundowns and Mvala meanwhile, it means another year of waiting to lift that coveted trophy.
Speaking to the media after Saturday's match, Mokwena was asked about his words to the dejected Mvala, who could not hide his disappointment after the final whistle, and the coach's response blew journalists away with his show of compassion.
"What did I say to Mothobi? In moments like this, there's two things. One, they say those who don't make mistakes are those that are probably not doing anything. Two, he's probably not prepared to listen to the coach at the moment - but he felt the coach's love. I can definitely assure you of that," he told the media.
"I grabbed the hand firmly, and I pulled the body a lot closer, and I gave him that reassurance that he is not alone and that for me is far more important than any words I could have uttered."
Sundowns brought their season to an end having lifted the DStv Premiership and will be taking a well deserved break following a grueling season for the men from Chloorkop.
