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Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says Phakamani Mahlambi's strike in the 5-0 rout of Al Ahly was special because he had a bad time while with the Club of the Century.
Mahlambi spent last season in Egypt after leaving Wits but saw little game-time and was eventually frozen out of the first team squad altogether.
It was Mosimane who managed to secure a deal for the 21-year-old to make his return to South Africa to play for the Brazilians in 2018/19.
As such, his strike - the fifth and final goal of the CAF Champions League quarter-final mauling - was hailed by 'Jingles' who ran down the touchline to celebrate with the player.
"When I recruited Phaka, it was difficult for Phaka. He said awungilande [come fetch me] coach, I am in a jungle, I am alone, nobody talks to me," he said as quoted by KickOff website.
"I don't even go to training, nobody asks me where I am, I am training alone. They even went to pre-season and left me alone.
"It was emotional for a 21-year-old to be left like that. I said Phaka I will do my best, one thing I promise you, I will bring you back. I knew it will give him a small chance and it was the right time to score.
"It was emotional for him and emotional for me because I struggled to get Phaka and I am still yet to get Phaka right. He is a youngster, he is 21 years old.
"Yes, he has a big name at the moment, but he is 21 years old, he needs a lot of support and so when he scored that goal it was emotional for me to go there.
"I didn't go there because it was five goals, I could have gone there every time they scored but that one meant a lot for him and me because I know the youngster needs help and support. I hope he scores again in Egypt."
The second leg takes place in Suez, Egypt on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 18:00 (SA time).
