Mamelodi Sundowns’ dead rubber Champions League tie towards Al-Hilal could be a chance for Rulani Mokwena to rotate his squad, as he has accomplished a few instances in the DStv Premiership and Nedbank Cup in current weeks.
Downs are in Sudan to tackle Al-Hilal this Saturday, who’re in search of a win to safe their place in the knockout phases of the competitors.
Mokwena, who was named DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for December and January alongside Ronwen Williams, who obtained the gong for Player of the Month for a similar interval, says it doesn’t matter that the Al-Hilal Stadium will likely be with out followers, insisting that Florent Ibenge’s facet will come out weapons blazing towards them.
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“They have won an important game against Al-Ahly in the same conditions, so it will be difficult for us as well. They have got some good players but it is a game that we will work very hard towards to make sure that we win,” mentioned Mokwena.
“The journey (to Sudan) has been daunting as a result of earlier than that, we had to ensure that we play effectively towards a troublesome Royal AM facet. Coach John Maduka has accomplished unimaginable since his reappointment. But my gamers invested numerous effort in the sport as a result of we had to present the need to win in a distinct competitors.
“We had a little bit of relaxation and an adaptation session and the work continues. The gamers are working very laborious to play towards a troublesome facet in an setting towards situations that will likely be towards us. But the dedication and mentality that we now have will at all times be to our benefit.
“I am very proud of the group and the service that they provide because they make many of us very happy. The work ethic is pleasing to see and we just have to put together the final preparations,” he added.
Individual accolades versus crew effort
Meanwhile, Sundowns first crew coach, Steve Komphela has his thoughts made up about who ought to win the Coach of the Season, saying Mokwena is the primary selection for the accolade. However, the latter appears to not dwell a lot on particular person awards as he leans in direction of the notion that soccer will at all times stay a crew spot even when people are awarded.
“I’ve at all times maintained that in soccer, an important issues are crew accolades and the person awards are a good reflection of the contribution of everyone. Congratulations to all of the gamers and the technical workers and everyone concerned in the crew. Thanks to the supporters for pushing us this season.
“We come from a very difficult period where we played a lot of games against good sides. The players showed that they have the grit, and Ronwen showed that he was one of the players who stood out. We have to give him a lot of praise, but Ronwen does not train alone… iron sharpens iron,” mentioned Mokwena.
He added: “The goalkeeper coach, Wendall Robinson, Kennedy Mweene, Reyaad Pieterse, Denis Onyango, all work very hard to compete for the number on jersey. The team plays together and the award is a good reflection of the team.”
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