Revealed: Why Mamelodi Sundowns Have Suspended Analyst Ahead of MC Alger Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns have suspended performance analyst Mario Masha following allegations that he leaked sensitive tactical information to former coach Rulani Mokwena ahead of a crucial CAF Champions League match.

Masha, a long-serving member of the technical team who joined during Pitso Mosimane's era, has reportedly denied the claims. However, the club has placed him on precautionary suspension pending an investigation.

The suspension comes just before Mamelodi Sundowns are set to face Mokwena's MC Alger in a decisive final group stage fixture.

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The winner of this high-stakes encounter will secure a spot in the quarterfinals, joining either Al Hilal or Saint Éloi Lupopo from the group.

Speculation intensified after Mamelodi Sundowns' head coach, Miguel Cardoso, made some cryptic remarks following the team's 1-1 draw with Saint Eloi Lupopo in Lubumbashi on Sunday. The result means Sundowns must defeat the Algerian side to advance.

"We hope that on match day we have a full stadium to support the team, and nothing more," the Portuguese coach stated in a post-match press conference.

"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."

Shortly after Miguel Cardoso's comments, reports of Masha's suspension surfaced, identifying him as the alleged source of the leak.

The situation adds another layer of drama to Rulani Mokwena's much-anticipated return to Loftus Stadium this weekend. Meanwhile, MC Alger has made it clear that their focus is solely on the match.

"This is not about taking my players to visit friends and family or go on safari," Rulani Mokwena recently commented, emphasising that a victory would guarantee their progression to the knockout stages.

Masha is now awaiting an internal disciplinary hearing to address the allegations. The incident has reportedly unsettled his colleagues, many of whom have worked alongside him for over a decade at the club.