Rulani Mokwena singles out Bafana star as one of the best in Africa

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has singled out a Bafana Bafana star as one of the best on the continent. 

Mokwena’s Sundowns has been in sensational form since he took over as head coach in October 2022.

He has guided the defending DStv Premiership champions to 10 straight wins. In the process, they have opened a 13-point gap ahead of second-placed SuperSport United.

The two clubs meet in a top-of-the-table clash on Monday, and the result could prove decisive come the end of the season.

Central to Sundowns’ recent form has been Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who is in his second season with Sundowns.

“I think, in my opinion, this season in the country, there’s very few that are at his [Teboho Mokoena] level. Even on the continent, I think there are very few,” Mokwena told journalists at Chloorkop.

WHY TRAINING IN THE HEAT HELPED TEBOHO MOKOENA

The former SuperSport midfielder has shone in the holding midfield role this season, something he has attributed to having a good pre-season.

Mokoena spent his off-season doing personal training in the sweltering Middle East heat.

He has since explained how that trip and an intense pre-season helped him come to terms with the demanding style of play at Sundowns.

“For me, last season, I was struggling with the intensity when I got here [in January 2022]. In the pre-season, I told myself I need to work on it.

“I think my Dubai trip helped me a lot because it was very hot that side, and I did a lot of work on my endurance and stamina, and I came back in better shape.

“I’m enjoying myself right now as a six because the competition we have in the team is what is making me a better player,” explained Mokoena.

WARM WEATHER CAMPS

European clubs often hold warm-weather training camps in the UAE. Studies have shown that training in heat improves aerobic performance, which is the ability to exercise at moderate intensity for extended periods of time with oxygen.

Players are able to boost their athletic performance when training in hot temperatures.

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