Spy Claims Define Mamelodi Sundowns' CAF Triumph and Mokwena Reunion

The 2025/26 football season presented a complex narrative for Mamelodi Sundowns, intertwining significant continental achievement with unsettling allegations of tactical espionage. Under the guidance of Miguel Cardoso, the South African giants secured their second CAF Champions League title, a testament to their strategic prowess and on-field execution. However, the season's storyline was notably punctuated by a tense reunion with former coach Rulani MokwenaCoach·Rulani Mokwena, then managing MC Alger, amidst claims of leaked confidential information.

Allegations of a "spygate" incident surfaced in February 2026, ahead of a crucial CAF Champions League group stage fixture between Mamelodi Sundowns and MC Alger. These claims led to the suspension of Sundowns' performance analyst, Mario Masha, who was accused of providing sensitive tactical details to Rulani MokwenaCoach·Rulani Mokwena. Mokwena, who had previously held coaching roles at Sundowns, vehemently denied the accusations, stating that he had received no confidential information from Masha. He emphasized his decision to address the specific claims from a respected journalist, rather than engaging with general rumors.

Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns' coach, also alluded to potential unfairness, expressing his desire for a "fair game" and suggesting that Mokwena and MC Alger might possess an undue advantage due to the alleged leaks. The shadow of these claims extended further into the season, with Cardoso later alleging in May 2026 that their CAF Champions League final opponents, AS FAR Rabat, had also obtained leaked tactical videos of Sundowns' match against Kaizer ChiefsTeam·Kaizer Chiefs.

Despite these off-field distractions, Miguel Cardoso's tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns proved highly successful. Appointed in December 2024, Cardoso led the club to a triumphant 2025/26 season, culminating in their CAF Champions League victory over Moroccan side AS FAR Rabat. Domestically, Sundowns finished as runner-ups in the South African Premiership, accumulating 68 points from 30 games, with a record of 20 wins, 8 draws, and 2 losses. Their strong performance also saw them achieve their first-ever victory in the FIFA Club World CupCompetition·FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Following this successful campaign, Mamelodi Sundowns reportedly exercised a contract extension option, securing Cardoso's services for an additional season.

Rulani MokwenaCoach·Rulani Mokwena's journey since his time as co-coach at Mamelodi Sundowns until 2022 has seen him manage several North African clubs. After leaving Sundowns in 2024, he took the helm at Wydad ACTeam·Wydad AC from 2024 to 2025, before moving to MC Alger for the 2025-2026 season, where the "spygate" allegations emerged. As of July 2026, Mokwena has transitioned to Pyramids FC in the Egyptian Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League, embarking on a new challenge with a clear mandate to pursue both the CAF Champions League and the Egyptian Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League titles. The 2025/26 season thus stands as a period defined by both competitive success and an unusual backdrop of tactical intrigue for all parties involved.