The midfielder opened the scoring as Sundowns beat the defending champions 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, with Iqraam Rayners adding a stoppage-time penalty to secure the Pretoria club's first MTN8 title since 2021.

The triumph ended Pirates' run of four consecutive titles and delivered Sundowns their second trophy of the season.

However, Mokoena admitted afterwards that the past fortnight had been extremely difficult, revealing that he had lost his grandfather during that period and that his brother is recovering in hospital after being stabbed multiple times.

"It's been tough two weeks for me, I lost my grandfather two weeks ago," he told SuperSport TV.

"I almost lost my brother who got stabbed the day before we played Guinea. They stabbed him multiple times, it's been tough, but I'd like to dedicate this game to him, he is in the hospital bed. I hope justice will be served."

The 29-year-old acknowledged that the victory could not fully lift the weight of what his family had endured, but said he felt compelled to deliver for his team regardless of his personal circumstances.

"I'm happy that we won but inside I'm not really okay because it's sad what happened to my family and you always have to show up doesn't matter how you're feeling," he added.

"I dedicate this game to him, my brother and I hope he recovers."

Mokoena's contribution was particularly notable given that he was a doubt for the final after suffering a knee collateral ligament injury while on Bafana Bafana duty during the international break.

He missed South Africa's subsequent matches against Eritrea and Egypt before making himself available for the showdown with Pirates.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso praised the work of the club's medical staff and the national team's doctors in helping injured players prepare for the final, while also acknowledging their determination to feature.

Cardoso confirmed, however, that Mokoena was still struggling with the injury when he took to the field.

"He had not trained recently, and I think it was clear, he started slowly for him and it was quite difficult to pick up the pace," the coach said.

"But he is a high-profile player, and gave his best, and I think he finished the game very, very, very tired, but giving the best to the team."

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