Soccer

Mokwena wary of ‘poisonous’ praise from Sundowns opponents

“I’d rather have people that come straight and show that they hate me and the team,”says Mokwena.

Shortly after his workforce completed prime of Group A within the Caf Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena shouldn’t be letting compliments from his rivals get to him and his workforce.

ALSO READ: Sundowns edge Mazembe in Caf Champions League

Heading into final Saturday’s grudge match in opposition to TP Mazembe, his counterpart on the DRC giants Lamine Ndiaye referred to as the Brazilians one of the best workforce on continent.

Sundowns went on to get revenge and document a 1-0 victory over the five-time Champions League winners at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium. They misplaced by the identical slim margin within the corresponding fixture that was performed in Lubumbashi final yr.

“I’m not used to praise and I say to the players that be careful of praise because it’s like being fed honey with with a knife,” Mokwena cautioned within the post-match press convention.

“I go searching when folks begin to praise you earlier than they kill you, they’ll pat (you on the again). I’d fairly have those that come straight and present that they hate me and the workforce.

“That is much better because the praise puts you in a false sense of (security) and you believe the hype too much so I don’t listen to the praise. I prefer the criticism and hate. It drives me and makes me want to prove (a point) but I accept it with a lot of humility.”

Peter Shalulile’s transformed penalty turned out to be the one objective of the match in Tshwane after Lucas Ribeiro did nicely to win the spot kick late within the first half.

“We stressed the importance of winning this game and also because there was a little bit of a sour taste after we lost  because we really played well in Lubumbashi but we were better today,” Mokwena added Mokwena.

“We had a lot management and a efficiency like this deserves a lot extra targets. Mazembe didn’t create possibilities and the one they received was from a mistake however aside from that it was actually a spotless efficiency.

“I was really happy with not just the result but the control, aggression and bravery of the team. The team played with so much courage and we took risks when we had to and that’s how big teams must play. I’m proud of finishing top and it ticks a lot of boxes and it gives us confidence going into the knockout stage.”

ALSO READ: Chiefs’ Johnson on Ngcobo – he may look fat, but he is not fat

Sundowns, ASEC Mimosas, Petro de Luanda and 11-time document winner Al-Ahly shall be seeded within the quarter-final draw. They shall be pitted in opposition to the runners-up from different teams whereas additionally having the benefit of taking part in the second leg at dwelling.


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