Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
- Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena heaped praise for his side as they overcame a stern test against Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup.
- Mokwena highlighted the performance of Lesedi Kapinga and co and spoke of their will to be at the club as a key factor.
- The Brazilians next face Al-Hilal in the CAF Champions League on Saturday.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena believes the strong performances of players such as Lesedi Kapinga are down to the fact that they want to be at the club, despite their lack of minutes this season.
The Brazilians dispatched Richards Bay in an entertaining 3-2 victory in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 on Tuesday evening at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium courtesy of a Peter Shalulile brace and a Mosa Lebusa goal.
Despite conceding two goals, Mokwena was pleased with his side’s display against the team from KwaZulu-Natal as they look to win the competition for the second year running.
“They are here because they want to be here, and they’re available for selection, all of them and there were a lot of very good individual performances today. That’s why the team performance was very good today, Mokwena told reporters after the match.
“I’m not one to praise individuals because a lot of players were good today [but it was] a very good performance from the team.”
Despite his reluctance to praise individuals, Lesedi Kapinga put in a promising display last night, registering 2 assists in the process.
Kapinga has played only 157 minutes in all competitions this season, and Mokwena says that the 27-year-old took his chance well in the round of 32 clash.
However, he admitted that the playmaker could have capped it off with a goal or two to add to his display.
“I think he (Kapinga) showed that he is here with very good contributions to what was a very good team performance. [I’m] very proud of him, he knows how much I like him as a footballer and as a human being.
“He is a very good person, quiet but worked very hard, and this is what we expect from everybody that gets to represent the club and he took his opportunity very well.
“I thought he could have scored one or two with better decision making, but I am very proud of him as I’m proud of Sipho Mbule, Bongani Zungu and Lebusa. Denis (Onyango) was good apart from the goals he conceded, he was exceptional in his distributions. I am proud of Peter Shalulile and (Bradley) Ralani, the subs were also good.
“As I said, lots of very good individual performances, that’s why the team was good. They are all here because they want to be here and they are available for selection,” he concluded.
Sundowns are back in action on Saturday against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the CAF Champions League at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Kick-off at 15:00