Sundowns coach rubbishes need to find Mailula’s replacement

While Mamelodi Sundowns have lost the services of striker Cassius Mailula, coach Rulani Mokwena rubbishes the need to find the youngster’s replacement.

Mokwena said they have enough cover in their striking department since Mailula departed for the United States of America last month, per SABC SPORT.

ALSO READ I Mokwena on why Chiefs keeper is his man of the match

The Masandawana coach explained that having the likes of Nasir Abubeker, Thapelo Morena, and Peter Shalulile among others, means they don’t have to find Mailula’s replacement just yet.

Despite losing a crucial member of the squad in Mailula, Sundowns and Mokwena are yet to lose a match in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign.

ALSO READ I Sundowns coach Mokwena hopes for fluidity against Chiefs.

SUNDOWNS COACH RUBBISHES NEED FOR MAILULA’S REPLACEMENT

ALSO READ I Sundowns update: key players ruled out of Chiefs clash

Mailula has joined Toronto FC in the Major League Soccer and after their 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday afternoon, the Sundowns coach is not ready to panic.

Mokwena has since pinned his hopes on versatile players such as Neo Maema who scored against Chiefs while Lucas Ribeiro Costa can also chip in with goals for Sundowns.

“Do we need a striker? We need [Abubeker] Nasir to return from injury, we need Thapelo Morena back from injury, and then we have a little bit of a cushion and buffer in that space,” he responded.

ALSO READ I Disgruntled Kaizer Chiefs fans lament coach Ntseki’s tactics

“We also have the situation with Kutumela, so we need to clarify that also. There’s no real urgency in that situation, so maybe the word ‘need’ is too strong.”

As things stand, the Chloorkop-based reigning league champions are without the services of Morena and Abubeker who are currently sidelined owing to injuries.

The duo, together with Rushine De Reuck and Sphelele Mkhulise were sidelined for the bumper clash against Amakhosi at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

ALSO READ I Sundowns coach Mokwena wary of ‘improved’ Chiefs

Meanwhile, Sundowns also signed Thapelo Maseko who joined just after Mailula’s departure from SuperSport United.

MOKWENA PICKS MOTM, TALKS MAILULA’S REPLACEMENT

Mokwena added that the Chiefs’ Cape Town-born gloveman, Brandon Petersen was his preferred choice for the Man of the Match accolade.

“I think Petersen was Man of the Match, in my opinion, because he made so many good saves and we had so many good chances,” he said after the match.

ALSO READ I Sundowns boss Mokwena explains tactical changes in DStv thriller

“But ok, we take it. We’re happy with the three points and try to be better next time.”

Following the win over Molefi Ntseki’s Chiefs, the Tshwane giants moved to the top of the log with six points, while the Soweto bigshots are in 10th with just one point – both from two matches.

Meanwhile, the Brazilians will now turn their focus to the MTN8 semi-final clash against Moroka Swallows on Saturday afternoon.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY PHUMZILE NGCATSHE