Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena says the African Cup of Nations enforced break has helped in integrating fringe players into the first team fold.
A second-half hat-trick from Lucas Ribeiro propelled Downs to a 3-0 league victory over AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The victory, which was Sundowns’ first in four DSTV Premiership matches, extended their lead at the summit of the table to 12 points.
Rulani applauded his charges for remaining patient in their build-up as they tried to break through Usuthu’s resilient defense.
“Let’s congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns, congratulate the fans, a great turnout for a Tuesday fixture and congratulate the football club, everybody, the players, the technical team, great performance.
“First-half I thought we played very well, I thought the performance was just missing a goal. We created a lot of chances also, the build-ups were good, we had a good occupation of the pitch and we were very patient, I like that.
“I like it when we’re patient and we don’t rush things but closer to the box you need another touch, especially when they go man-marking you know. But the second-half we improved a lil bit, receiving the balls in the pockets, influencing the game a lil bit closer to the box.
“Good counter-pressing to re-generate chances and so a great effort from the players, very proud of them. I love this team and this group of players has a very special place in my heart. So congratulations to the team, to the players and everybody at the football club,” Rulani said in the post-match interview with SuperSport TV.
Rulani says he managed to develop certain players during the AFCON break.
“We tried to train the team not for the group, we tried to train for the entire team. So we’ve got principles that we try to work on and I think also helped us a bit, because during the FIFA break we got some time to work on Zuko (Mdunyelwa), Aubaas (Bathusi), Mbule (Sipho), Lebo (Maboe) and so many other players that needed a lil bit more support also, emotional support and confidence you know.
“And an understanding that they are good enough to play for this team but at the end it’s about brotherhood, they’ve got a very great team spirit, they love each other, they support each other and this is what happens. But still a long to go isn’t it?” noted Rulani.
