When referee Thokozani Mkhize blew his whistle to sign the tip of the DStv Premiership tie between Chippa United and SuperSport United, which completed in a one-all draw, there have been resounding cheers at Mamelodi Sundowns camp because the draw meant Downs retain yet one more league crown.
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With 59 points on the log, nobody can catch Sundowns who will elevate a sixth straight Premiership crown on the finish of the season.
Sundowns performed Cotonsport on the identical evening after receiving the information that they’re champions, and Rulani Mokwena’s job was to ensure that his gamers focus on the duty at hand and spare the celebrations for later.
“It was a bit difficult because we live in a digital and social media space, and whether you like it or not, players will know the situation because it is posted on the social feeds,” mentioned Mokwena.
“My speech to them earlier than the sport was to congratulate them as a result of they already knew that the title was within the bag. They have to be congratulated as a result of in South Africa it’s downplayed and possibly we’re victims of our personal success.
“People undermine the difficulties of winning a league title. It is the hardest competition to win because you have to play against 15 opponents home and away and the competition lasts for about eight months. There is no competition in football as long as the league,” he added.
League issue
With seven video games to spare, the final notion is that Sundowns the league title defence was considerably of a breeze for the Chloorkop-based facet, however Mokwena begs to vary. He insists that the DStv Premiership is without doubt one of the most tough competitions to win, though they solely suffered two defeats and as many attracts thus far this season.
“Sometimes it may be perceived that it looks easy, but it is the most difficult thing. The game against Cotonsport was one test that we had to pass because we had the psychological block of not wanting to be in a celebratory mode,” mentioned Mokwena.
“It is so difficult to have that level of consistency that this group has shown over the number of games that we have played and to deliver and win without getting tired is not easy because what normally happens is that there is an element of compliancy that easily creeps in and to not allow for that and stay competitive is extremely difficult. Not a lot of appreciation is given to this group for what they have done this season. If there is a little bit of appreciation, I don’t feel it is enough,” he added.
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