Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena wants to see his players “enjoy” their Africa Cup of Nations experience as they represent their respective countries.

The Brazilians dominate the Bafana Bafana squad with a total of nine players, including Ronwen Williams, Grant Kekana, Terrence Mashego, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau, Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Maseko and Thapelo Morena.

Meanwhile, in-form striker Peter Shalulile will also be representing the Namibian national team after making the final squad for the competition.

Mokwena has since expressed his pride in his players as he believes their hard work is receiving recognition following their call-ups to the national team setup.

“Firstly, I must congratulate the club because it means that we are recruiting the right talent. Secondly, I would like to give credit to the players because they have similar stories. Themba Zwane, for instance, had been written off by the coach,” Mokwena told his club’s official website.

“He didn’t go to the media and make a spectacle, instead, he allowed his performances to speak for him. Today he is one of the most important Bafana Bafana players.

“With Khuliso Mudau, the coach was resisting to bring him into the Bafana Bafana squad, now he is in the national team.

“What I have learnt from Hugo Broos is that you can always change your mind and wise people change their minds. It is the performance that needs to speak for the players so that the coach can change his mind,” he continued.

He added: “I’m going to tell Ronwen to enjoy AFCON and the pressure that you have to carry as a favourite. I’m going to tell Mashego, Mudau, Mvala, Mshishi, Mokoena, Modiba, Morena and Maseko to enjoy AFCON.

“I’m going to tell Peter Shalulile to enjoy AFCON and I am waiting for the game on the 21st of January. I have already put it in my diary, that’s one game I can’t miss.”

Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix