Rulani Mokwena echoes Morgan Mammila’s observation on Sundowns’ DNA

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has echoed what Morgan Mammila recently said about the defending DStv Premiership champions.

Mokwena was explaining how he was not surprised by his team’s response after they received a red card against Sekhukhune United in their league clash.

Mokwena said the character they showed is reflective of how the team was built, and it all runs in their DNA.

Talented attacker Marcelo Allende was given his marching orders in the 76th minute following a dangerous challenge when the Tshwane giants were leading one-nil courtesy of a Peter Shalulile strike.

Despite being a man short, Sundowns continued dominating the game. They were rewarded in the 82nd minute when in-form Cassius Mailula doubled the lead.

RULANI MOKWENA ON HIS TEAM’S RESPONSE AFTER THE RED CARD

“I’m not surprised that we went on and still played the way we train even though it was difficult,” Mokwena told the media.

“That’s how we were built. It’s the DNA of the club. It’s the DNA of the group.

“The team is not built to absorb pressure, defend deep on the block and get counter-attack. It’s not a squad that is profiled like that with recruitment and with training.

ONE ELEMENT MOKWENA WAS HAPPY ABOUT AGAINST SEKHUKHUNE

Mokwena further revealed that he was happy with the character his players displayed during difficult moments in the game.

“We always show that we’re prepared to run. I said to the players, when we have the ball, we play like a big team. We’re brave.

“They know I don’t like it when it’s very difficult. At the same time, when we don’t have the ball, we suffer, and we run like a smaller club that has a lot of humility.

“One thing you will find is personality. We always play with intensity. When we don’t have the ball, we try our level best all the time to get the ball and dominate,” Mokwena added.

Interestingly, on January 8, 2023, Mammila said a similar trait of the current Downs team. “And let’s be honest, go and watch Sundowns. When they lose the ball, there’s no star. All of them are behind the ball,” Mammila said.

The hard-fought victory saw Sundowns claim 14 straight wins whilst ending Sekhukhune’s four-match winning streak under Brandon Truter.

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