Steve Komphela. Image: @SkepeMatsebane / Twitter
Sundowns coach’s playful comment: Steve Khompela might play for us!
Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has joked about fielding Sundowns’ senior coach Steve Komphela due to team injuries.
Steve Komphela. Image: @SkepeMatsebane / Twitter
Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned 2021/22 DStv Premiership champions for the fifth season in succession following their goalless draw against Cape Town City FC at Loftus Versfeld last week.
BREAKING: MAMELODI SUNDOWNS CHAMPIONS OF MZANSI – AGAIN!
A host of records tumbled as Sundowns continued their dominance over local rivals, claiming the top-flight title for a 12th time. Masandawana only needed to avoid defeat to take an unassailable lead in the standings which they did without too much fuss.
Ultimately, the Brazilians secured a point to successfully defend their championship as they retained their number one spot with 58 points in the DStv Premiership with four matches left to play and 13 points ahead of second placed Royal AM .
The club is now preparing for the final of the Nedbank Cup at the end of May as they look to achieve a domestic title treble.
However, centre back Brian Onyango has recently joined Rushine de Reuck, Mosa Lebusa and Rivaldo Coetzee on the sidelines.
“We don’t have an injury crisis because Divine [Lunga] will play there [at centreback] and if it comes to a push Steve Komphela will get ready because that’s a position he played earlier in his career,” Mokwena joked after the recent Nedbank Cup semi-final win.
“We’ve got very important games to come and it’s important we stay focused and try to win the next few games, and then deal with the final a bit later,” he added on a more serious note.
“We have to be professionals. Mamelodi Sundowns is a club that expects us to win every match. For now we’ll focus on the next four games, which are in the league, and we try again to make sure we win the remaining games and hopefully that momentum carries us into the final.”
Mokwena has also provided insight into the way forward for the club, interestingly making reference to top English Premier League clubs as he explained why it was essential for the team to avoid complacency and keep building on their success.
Check out some of the facts, figures and celebrations below:
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ 4 REMAINING DSTV PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES
Tuesday, 3 May v Sekhukhune United (A) – 17:30
Sunday, 8 May v Kaizer Chiefs (A) – 17:30
Saturday, 14 May v Stellenbosch FC (H) – 15:00
Saturday, 21 May v Royal AM (A) – 15:00
PSL CHAMPIONS SINCE 1996/97
1996/97 – Manning Rangers
1997/98 – Masandawana
1998/99 – Masandawana
1999/00 – Masandawana
2000/01 – Orlando Pirates
2001/02 – Santos
2002/03 – Orlando Pirates
2003/04 – Kaizer Chiefs
2004/05 – Kaizer Chiefs
2005/06 – Masandawana
2006/07 – Masandawana
2007/08 – SuperSport United
2008/09 – SuperSport United
2009/10 – SuperSport United
2010/11 – Orlando Pirates
2011/12 – Orlando Pirates
2012/13 – Kaizer Chiefs
2013/14 – Masandawana
2014/15 – Kaizer Chiefs
2015/16 – Masandawana
2016/17 – Wits
2017/18 – Masandawana
2018/19 – Masandawana
2019/20 – Masandawana
2020/21 – Masandawana
2021/22 – Masandawana
TITLES WON BY CLUB
12 – Masandawana
4 – Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs
3 – SuperSport United
1 – Manning Rangers, Santos, Wits
