‘Zero chances for Pirates over 120 minutes’: Rulani reacts to MTN8 final defeat

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has reacted to his side’s defeat in the MTN8 final at the hands of the mighty Buccaneers in Durban on Saturday night.

The final at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium ended goalless as Orlando Pirates overcame Sundowns on penalties to defend their top-eight crown.

Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was the hero as he saved three penalties in a shootout to walk away with the Man of the Match award for his efforts.

The atmosphere was electric with the supporters of both teams on the edge of their seats throughout the game, which failed to live up to expectations.

It is worth noting strong winds made it difficult for both teams to control the ball, resulting in a scrappy match. Sundowns coach Mokwena believes his team should have won in regulation time.

Mokwena expressed that although he was proud of his players for putting in a good shift, he still felt that they deserved to win the title.

RULANI MOKWENA PROUD OF SUNDOWNS DESPITE DEFEAT

“We should have won it. So many chances and zero chances for Orlando Pirates over 120 minutes,” said Mokwena in his post-match interview on SuperSport TV.

“So let’s congratulate the winners, Orlando Pirates, and congratulations to my players, they gave it their all. We were in a very difficult moment, Peter [Shalulile] played with an injury but that is not an excuse, we keep going, we are Mamelodi Sundowns, and we are strong.

The 2022/23 DStv Premiership Coach of the Season added: “We created all the chances, Themba [Zwane], Peter, and another big one in the second half with [Allende} Marcel. But okay as that’s football when you go to the lottery [it is anyone’s game].

“I want to congratulate my boys, I’m very proud of them, unlucky tonight but we are strong. But it is difficult for us at the moment as we are playing a lot of games. When we win, it is fantastic and when we also lose, we need to be humble in defeat. We will bounce back.

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