Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena was disappointed after his
side crashed out of the Carling Knockout on Wednesday, following a penalty
shoot-out defeat to TS Galaxy. Despite dominating the match with ten men,
Sundowns were unable to secure a win, having gone into the game a day
after the international break without a number of their international
players.
Speaking after the match, Mokwena was gracious in defeat, congratulating
TS Galaxy on their victory. He also praised his players for their effort
and resilience, despite the odds being stacked against them. “Let me be
gracious and firstly congratulate TS Galaxy on progressing to the next
round and let me also take the opportunity to appreciate the Mamelodi
Sundowns players for a gallant fight against all odds,” said Mokwena on
SuperSport TV.
However, Mokwena was visibly frustrated with the situation, citing the
lack of international players and the fact that the team had to play a day
after the international break as factors that contributed to the loss.
“Who cares that you are 2-0 down and you have ten men? Who cares that you
play the day after…and you tell me of any club in the world, any club, I’m
waiting, that plays a day after the FIFA break,” he said.
“Who cares that you have the Footballer of the Season not here? Who cares
that you have the Goalkeeper of the Year not here? Who cares that you
don’t have the Defender of the Year? Who cares? Everyone will say these
are excuses and people will celebrate our downfall but that’s okay because
as human beings we plan but God decides and if God decides that we
shouldn’t win, then I guess as one of his kids I will just have to trust
in his wisdom,” he added.
Img – Rulani Mokwena
