On Monday, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena responded to critics that the quality assembled at the club makes it easier for them to win. Sekhukhune United head coach Brandon Truter is the latest coach in the PSL to make such a claim, citing billionaire owner Patrice Motsepe’s financial backing as the reason why Sundowns have been able to sign quality players in the domestic league.
Mokwena disagreed with this assessment, pointing to the various injuries the team has had to deal with this season, including talisman Peter Shalulile’s absence since October. On Tuesday, Masandawana welcomed back Shalulile in their win over Chippa United, and Mokwena believes the players deserve credit for maintaining their performance and results despite missing key personnel.
With the win, Sundowns extended their lead at the top of the standings to 13 points. Mokwena argued that it was unfair to “discredit the work” being done at the club when considering the injuries they have had to face. He highlighted the Footballer of the Season’s absence, along with Rivaldo Coetzee, Bongani Zungu, Abdel Boutouil, Lebo Maboe, Abubaker Nasir, Erwin Saavedra, Thapelo Morena, and Terrence Mashego.
“This is why I say it’s incredible what this group of players has done because they continue to play week in and week out,” Mokwena said in a post-match press conference. He further added that the players “deserve their flowers” for their consistency, and that they can’t be expected to play “PlayStation” football in every match.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC this season
Hugo Broos will select the whole 11 players from Downs pic.twitter.com/Md9PdHF1fk
— Guirella Blaq (@Kolobe07) January 8, 2023
