Why ex-Sundowns defender believes Mokwena can beat Wydad without regular strikers

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse has revealed why he believes coach Rulani Mokwena can beat Wydad Athletic in the African Football League [AFL] final second leg without regular strikers. 

Sundowns suffered a 2-1 defeat to Wydad Athletic on Sunday night at the Stade Mohamed V in the first leg of the CAF AFL final.

Bafana Ba Style went into the game with most of their regular strikers absent due to sustained injuries.

However, despite that thought, Arendse reckons that Sundowns has what it takes to win. having scoped an away goal advantage.

Arendse believes the 36-year-old Sundowns mentor can turn things around and succeed as he is known for coming up with ideas, despite without his regular goal poachers.

ARENDSE ON RULANI MOKWENA WINNING AGAINST REGULAR STRIKERS 

“Whether other strikers are injured, Sundowns can win. [Manchester] City played without a striker and I think it’s possible with the modern game to win without a striker,” said Arendse. 

“I just think for him [coach Rulani], he has an idea, probably an idea of what he wants to do. And when this does not go right, he knows what to do, and comes with plan B. Even when his strikers are injured or not available, he knows what to do. He can win. I think he thought about all those avenues. 

“So for me, as much as you want Shalulile upfront as your target striker, I don’t think it’s a transmash. They have other players that are very mobile that can play such position or even behind defenders.”

Arendse continued: “For instance, during the game again Wydad [first leg], coach Rulani was calling ball saying play behind the defence. That’s how we used to play and beat North African teams because of flares, and speed on the side and also on a false nine. 

“So I think he will win and should not change anything much, and the away goal will help a lot.”

Masandawana will face Wydad in the second leg on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld stadium at 15:00.

RELATED STORY: Rulani Mokwena reveals what gives him hope ahead of Wydad’s AFL 2nd leg tie

BY Mashale Mpho Mabotja