A number of DStv Premiership teams have played friendlies during the international break to keep the engines running to get back into the league this weekend.
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But Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has taken time to reflect on how the players have responded to him as the club’s sole head coach.
Sundowns have eight players with their Bafana Bafana squad against Liberia in Monrovia this afternoon in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, after being held to a 2-2 draw in Soweto.
Mokwena said it was the human values the players possessed, paired with their footballing ability, that made Sundowns an immovable and immutable force for nearly a decade in the Premier Soccer League.
“I only see talented footballers, they are honest and I learn a lot from them. I think the story they put together is a life lesson for all of us because if you prioritize the profession and the club, results will come.
“He has no problem. I have never seen someone like this before,” said Mokwena.
The Sundowns mentor has made a habit of introducing youngsters to the team, with the inclusion of youngster Siyabonga Mabena, who impressed in a cameo against Royal AM when Masandawana last played in the DStv Premiership.
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“Imagine when you are 16 years old, you will come to Themba Zwane and train with Peter Shalulile. My players love each other and they live with anyone.
“You put youngsters in the team, all they do is accommodate and don’t underestimate people,” added Mokwena.
“He has no complaints and that’s why God blessed him. Imagine when we play Al-Ahly and we score five against them and the next game you have to play Royal AM. You have to do it for the badge.”
Sundowns will be back in action this weekend when they host Cotonsport in the Caf Champions League group stage final, with Brazil already through to the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, the reigning league champions continue their domestic action next week against Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld.
Downs need just two points to clinch what would be their sixth consecutive league crown.