Mamelodi Sundowns head coach has defended the error prone centre-back Brian Onyango after he was jeered by a section of the club’s fans during the 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United in the DSTV Premiership on Tuesday.
The Brazilians raced to an early two goal lead within seven minutes, thanks to goals from Tashreeq Matthews and Thapelo Morena.
The result puts Downs on a pedestal as they need at least two wins to wrap their seventh consecutive league crown.
Onyango made a rare start in the first team and was constantly taunted by a section of the supporters before he was replaced by Terrence Mashego in the 58th minute.
Rhulani tried to plead with the supporters at some point in the first-half. In his post-match interview, the Downs tactician said players will make mistakes if they are under pressure from the supporters.
“It’s the style of play, Sundowns supporters must believe in the style of play. We worked too hard to build this. This is the culture of the team.
“I say to the players all the time, I say we don’t have like all the other big teams, we don’t have the age, the history in relation to how long the club. We’re not the oldest club.
“So in terms of history and pedigree, the others have. The one special thing we have is our style of play and this thing of ‘Shoeshine and Piano’ the Brazilians, doesn’t come with me.
2️⃣2️⃣ #𝘿𝙎𝙩𝙫𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙈 𝙂𝘼𝙈𝙀𝙎 𝙐𝙉𝘽𝙀𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙉 ✅🌟
The Brazilians set the record for the longest unbeaten start to a PSL season! 🙌#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/ZdwPbMjmqS
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 24, 2024
“Now if the Sundowns supporters start to put pressure on the players what must happen? These players must make mistakes,” Rulani told SuperSport TV.
Rulani also reminded the Sundowns’ faithful to fill up Loftus Stadium for the CAF Champions League semifinal clash against Esperance on Friday.
“Big match, I plead with the Sundowns supporters to come out in numbers, support and beat the drum because we need them. This is the game we need them again, Champions League more than anything else. It’s about the 12th man.
“This Stadium has to be full, has to be buzzing and has to be extremely intimidating for the opponents. Without that we are in little bit of trouble. But you know we can do it infront of our people, we love them and we’ll fight and sacrifice and die for them,” he concluded.
