Mamelodi Sundowns are in pursuit of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates' targets

Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena delivers a press conference. Image: @Masandawana/Twitter.

Rhulani downplays Sundowns’ praises

DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns have been rated as the top side in Africa, but Rhlani Mokwena is having none of it.

Mamelodi Sundowns are in pursuit of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates' targets

Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena delivers a press conference. Image: @Masandawana/Twitter.

After suffering a 6-2 defeat from Mamelodi Sundowns over two quarter-final legs, CR Belouizdad coach Nabil Kouki has rated Kabo Yellow as the best team on the continent.

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QUALITY PLAYERS AND MONEY

“Mamelodi Sundowns are the strongest team in Africa right now,” Kouki said as quoted by iDiski Times.

“It is a challenge to play this team, but the game had everything. If you talk about football, it’s money.

ALSO READ: Sundowns coach given reasons to leave

“All the coaches around the world can see that Mamelodi Sundowns are on a higher level [in Africa] – the other teams are not equals

“It is about the players, the quality, the money. They bought players. Yes, obviously the other teams can also buy players with that type of money but Mamelodi Sundowns have the eye, have the technical team to get the players.

“It is not only about money, you must also have the technical team to find the players and improve the players. You can see on the field, they are a very well-coached team.”

ALSO READ: Former Sundowns star expects CAFCL trophy

SUNDOWNS COACH RHULANI MOKWENA RESPONDS

According to Mokwena, compliments are a knife coated with honey. One week he’s a top coach and the next week he is not good enough.

“We receive the compliments with a lot of humility and appreciation, coming from a very experienced coach on the continent,” said Mokwena.

“But like I always say, [being showered] with the pleasantries is like being fed honey with a knife. I don’t have to go too far back because a couple of weeks ago, we lost to Stellies, and we were the worst team. I was the worst coach.

“So this is football, and in football, you’ve to take the good moments just like you take the bad moments. Not too high on the good moments.

“We’ve got a 24-hour rule, so we’re going to enjoy the game, the feeling, and then rest, lots of sleep… So we come in, and we clean the game from our system. And then we prepare for a very difficult match against AmaZulu,” the Sundowns tactician concluded.

Sundowns Shalulile
Mamelodi Sundowns team picture during the CAF Champions League 2022/23 Quarterfinal 1st leg match between CR Belouizdad and Mamelodi Sundowns held at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, Algeria on 22 April 2023 ©Djaffar Lakjal/BackpagePix.

ALSO READ: Club boss confirms player sale to Chiefs!

You can find more articles from Siseko Gwegwe here.