Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Rulani Mokwena spoke to Rivaldo Coetzee of Mamelodi Sundowns during the DStv Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on April 23, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. The Brazilians moved closer to securing the DStv Premiership title after defeating Sekhukhune 2-1 on Tuesday night.
Defender Brian Onynago was jeered by a section of the supporters at Loftus Versfeld, but Mokwena has asked the fans to believe in the style. “We worked too hard to build this,” Mokwena told SuperSport after the game.
“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,” Mokwena said.
“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.
Now if the Sundowns supporters start to put pressure on the players what must happen? These players must make mistakes.”
The Sundowns coach also called on the supporters to show up in their numbers for Friday’s CAF Champions League tie against Esperance. “Big match, I plead with the Sundowns supporters to come in numbers, support, sing 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,” Mokwena said.
“This stadium has to be full, has to be buzzing and has to be extremely intimidating for the opponents. Without that we are in a little bit of trouble.
But you know we can do it in front of our people. We love them and we’ll fight and sacrifice and die for them,” he added.