On Monday, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena suffered his second defeat since being elevated to his current position last year, after the Brazilians lost 3-1 to Orlando Pirates in a penalty shootout in the MTN8 final.
Mokwena has admitted to making tactical mistakes in the match, and has taken full responsibility for the loss.
He has revealed that he took out key players who would have been the best penalty takers, including Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba, Neo Maema, and Peter Shalulile.
The 36-year-old tactician said in a press conference, “When we don’t win, the coach must take responsibility and I’m the first to put my hand up and accept the blame. If there’s anybody to be blamed it’s me, 150%. No hiding, no nothing. I don’t hide, I take full responsibility.”
Former Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United winger Thuso Phala said it was “disappointing” to see Mokwena take out the key players.
He added, “You have Aubrey Modiba, who is a very good technical player, possibly to take a penalty, you take him out and you’ve got Maema, a technical player, you take him out. Shalulile is a striker and you take him out, I mean those are your first four penalty takers in my team. I don’t know if the coach thought he’ll win it before penalties.”
Mokwena revealed after the match that Shalulile came to the game carrying an injury, but he was only substituted with 17 minutes remaining of extra-time.
ORLANDO PIRATES ARE THE MTN 8 CHAMPIONS UP THE BUCS ONCE & ALWAYS ☠️☠️
Rhulani Penalty Erasmus MTN8FINAL Chaine Sundowns rugbyworldcup2023 Mendieta OrlandoPirates Senzo Meyiwa Saleng pic.twitter.com/QmEc4ym7jQ
— NICK. (@ltsNlCK) October 7, 2023
