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Rulani Mokwena: ‘Other kids must get toys too’

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has opened up on their fluctuating form since they won the DStv Premiership with seven games to spare.

Masandawana squandered a 2-0 lead against AmaZulu in KZN on Wednesday, dropping points in what was their fourth draw since they won the league.

Speaking after the game, Mokwena likened his side to a “spoilt child” that always wants to buy all the toys in the shop.

He meant that with the quality in their squad, they feel they have to win all their games, but it’s impossible.

RULANI MOKWENA ON MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ FLUCTUATING FORM

“The problem is when you’re spoilt, you’re that kid that wants to buy all the toys in the shop,” said Mokwena.

“You can’t buy all of them; there’s other kids that must all get. Life is about that, and in fact, [life] and football are the same; football is similar to life.

“You give, and you take. You can’t take all of it. You’ve got to give some. That’s why you win some, and you lose some.

“It’s life, you know. We have to take it, and we have to continue working and trying to improve and get better all the time. That’s the only thing.”

Rulani Mokwena from mamelodi sundowns
Rulani Mokwena. Picture by Mamelodi Sundowns

The 36-year-old coach admitted that he was disappointed with the results. However, he was delighted with the fluidity he saw in his team, considering that he played with a blend of fringe players and regulars.

He also highlighted the positives they had in the match.

MOKWENA TOOK SOME POSITIVES FROM DRAW WITH USUTHU

“I’m disappointed with the results, for sure,” he added.

“But are there positives? Of course. And maybe even more positives than the disappointment. The disappointment is there, but the positives of how we scored the goals, open play, how we had some good transitions and created chances.

“We had some very good chances. Jody pulled off a very big save from Mshishi [Themba Zwane]. [Thabiso] Kutumela got a chance to put Gaston [Sirino] through, [Abubeker] Mobara had a little flick, and it changed the direction of the ball. It was a big chance if the ball went through.

“Gaston plays Peter [Shalulile] through, Peter slips at the last minute inside the box. If Peter doesn’t slip, I think we all know what the story is.

“So, I’m gonna sit here and sound like a coach that is ungrateful. Of course, we want to win, but the players fight and give their best, and I can’t ask for more.

“I’m very proud of my team.”

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