Rulani Mokwena praises six Mamelodi Sundowns stars after the Brazilians beat Marumo Gallants 3-1 to progress through to the Nedbank Cup quarter-final.
Peter Shalulile sunk in a hattrick as topflight football returned to Bloemfontein. Gallants opted to host the tie at the Toyota Stadium, giving a taste of elite football to the soccer-starved Bloem community.
Since Bloemfontein Celtic was sold, enthusiastic football fans in Bloem have had to resort to watching topflight action on television.
And when Gallants took their game to the Free State, they did not disappoint, as they came in numbers clad in Siwelele colours.
The two teams also displayed an entertaining brand of football.
RULANI MOKWENA HAILS QUALITY OF SUNDOWNS PLAYERS
“It was difficult because, in the transition, they had numbers in our last line. A typical cup game, we did very well, and we created a lot of chances.
“I’m not sure about the one which was called offside for Peter. We could have scored four,” Mokwena told SuperSport TV in a post-match interview.
He added that the reason teams were unable to stop Sundowns was because of the quality of his players.
“A lot of teams know how Man City create the chances, and a lot of teams know how Sundowns create the chances. But the players are so good – the game belongs to the players – and a lot of credit needs to go to this honest group. Honestly, we’re very lucky to be coaching this honest group of players.”
THE SIX PLAYERS THAT IMPRESSED
He went on to pick six players who were impressive against Gallants.
“Denis [Onyango] brings the experience, [Mothobi] Mvala, Mosa [Lebusa] was good today, he was very stable today, Mshishi [Themba Zwane] gives the experience and leadership.
“Bongani Zungu was strong and gave a lot of quality, and he’s got a lot of experience. Peter was good. It’s always a team effort. I always say that I don’t single out individuals. Mothobi was also good with the aerial balls,” he concluded.
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