{
  "id": 13901599,
  "title": "Sundowns’ Mokoena ‘not really ok’ despite MTN8 win",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/sundowns-mokoena-not-really-ok-despite-mtn8-win",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T07:36:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/sundowns-mokoena-not-ok-despite-mtn8-win/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mamelodi Sundowns' journey to the CAF Champions League title continues, but their players are struggling with personal issues. Masandawana secured a psychological victory by defeating reigning champions Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium after Teboho Mokoena scored the winning goal. However, Mokoena's victory is tinged with sadness, as he lost his grandfather two weeks ago and almost lost his brother who was stabbed the day before the final. Mokoena dedicated the win to his brother, hoping for justice and recovery. Sundowns, currently leading the Premiership by one point over Pirates, had a triumphant start to their season, including a victory against Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal to win the African-Asian Pacific Cup. Their only loss in any competition was the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal against Golden Arrows. Despite a demanding fixture list, Sundowns managed to turn the tide in the second leg of their match against Pirates and secured their first MTN8 trophy since 2021. For the upcoming matches, including their defence of the Champions League title against Richards Bay, the team's focus remains on their performance and the team's unity.",
  "summary": "Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena has had deal with personal tragedy in the last two weeks with Bafana and Sundowns.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mamelodi Sundowns won MTN8 title after defeating Pirates",
    "Teboho Mokoena scored winning goal, dedicated to brother",
    "Player struggles with grandfather's death and brother's stabbing"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}