Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has voiced out his biggest concern about what he feels is problematic to the growth of the standard of SA football.
The 36-year-old tactician was speaking after his side beat Moroka Swallows 1-0 on Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. Masandawana brushed aside the ten men Dube Birds to book the spot in the semi-finals.
Mokwena was asked about his thoughts on Sundowns not being able to play their normal “fancy” football despite winning their matches. He insisted they’re still dominating games and feels that scorelines of recent matches don’t reflect their performances.
However, he also expressed his dissatisfaction with the quality of the fields they’re using. He feels that players always have to take “extra touch” when receiving the ball before they decide on the next move.
He also revealed that SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt and Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro share the same sentiments. He says they were discussing the issue during the MTN8 launch last week.
RULANI MOKWENA SHARES BIGGEST CONCERN ABOUT SA FOOTBALL
“So, I’ve always said that in South Africa, before we even speak about the standard of the game, we’ve got to improve the quality of the fields,” said Mokwena.
“I’ve watched a couple of the games now, very few fields or stadiums that have a very smooth surface. And that should be a worry for South African football.
“And even on Thursday, I was speaking to Jose [Riveiro] and Gavin [Hunt]. And a lot of the coaches are saying, ‘My goodness, the stadiums are not good enough’.
“But it’s better I say these things after we’ve won because if I say them…it’s funny because Jose and I say the same thing. We said if we voice this opinion about the fields, everyone thinks, ‘ah they’re making excuses’.
“It’s not excuses when you’ve won. You’re just trying to help the game to go to another level, and as technicians, this is our responsibility.
“But I’m very proud of this group of players. Without complaints and no excuses, we always do the best that we can. And we put the team first and try to make the Yellow Nation and the supporters happy.”
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