Saturday afternoon in Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Sekhukhune United by a score of 2-0 to finish their January schedule with a perfect record of victories.
In the initial exchanges, the Brazilians created the better opportunities, demonstrating their typical dominance on the ball and in front of goal. During a news conference in Loftus, Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena provided a brief analysis and summary of the match.
“[It was] not easy, but if you look at the figures holistically, we had four big chances and they had none. We provided them nothing in their attempts to jam our infrastructure, and despite repeated attempts, nothing was removed.”
Babina Noko exerted pressure in the last minutes of the first half and made efforts in the second half to equalize after a free kick shot goal was ruled offside due to offside play. Coach Rulani commented on the game’s first and second halves.
“We did not establish ourselves as well in the second half, especially after we went down a man. There was pressure, and the players decided to play a bit more cautiously, but [I am] really happy of the guys and their efforts and the outcomes. Congratulations to the players and the team, to Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, and to the yellow nation.”
“The team is not suited to absorb pressure and defend deep in the block, neither in terms of recruitment nor in terms of training. I’m not shocked that we still went out and played the way we prepared, despite the fact that it was really difficult and we had to suffer at times, which is terrific preparation for the upcoming Champions League and Super League games. But we always demonstrate our willingness to run.”
Coach Rulani followed by elaborating on what awaits his team when they compete in the continental cup, saying:
“The Champions League is a different space, much more intense, and then we have to try to anticipate and look at the fixtures, but we take one game at a time.” Before we even begin to consider many other things, we take one step and one game at a time and strive to win each and every match.”
Masandawana shown dominance in their last two matches when they utilized an unconventional starting lineup and added fresh players. Coach Rulani applauded his team for their efforts both on and off the field, despite the fact that the defending champions had a lengthy injury list.
“The long and short of it is that it’s simply a matter of rotation and giving others a fair shot, which I believe they’ve done exceptionally well.” AJ has performed admirably in the last two games. “[Bongani] Zungu has had some very good minutes for him, and he has had some very good opportunities to develop himself.”
“Then there’s Denis Onyango, he’s been in that position before, and that allows Kennedy Mweene and Reyaad Pieterse to still be a part of the group from the bench, which helps a great deal in terms of group dynamics, especially due to their leadership status.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will return to play on February 1 when they travel to Soweto to face Orlando Pirates in their first match of the month, which will be shown live on SuperSport.
»Congratulations Mamelodi Sundowns FC. Happy for Yellow Nation Rulani Mokwena«