Rulani Hails Sundowns Group For Mkhulise MOTM Showing

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena was not ready to single out Man of the Match performer Sphelele Mkhulise – over the collective – for praise after beating TS Galaxy.

‘Blesser’ provided an inspiring performance as they moved to a record-extending 13-game winning streak in the DStv Premiership.

Rushine de Reuck and Peter Shalulile netted in the 2-1 win, with the latter moving back to the top of the charts for the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award with eight goals.

And Mokwena paid homage to the squad in its entirety, whom he feels make each other shine, with several coaches often stating the Masandawana system is their star player.

“It’s huge compliments to the group, we’re a good team with very good players and then also have very good human beings in the changing room,” Mokwena said after the game in Mbombela.

“It becomes a little bit easier when you have good human beings, good football players and we aim to continue now, try to be better [ahead] of a difficult [game] on Saturday [against Sekhukhune]. But this was a very good performance.”

Mkhulise pulled the strings in midfield, completing 81 out of the 89 attempted passes (91% accuracy), won four out of seven tackles attempted, 16 passes in the final third, and also completed three of three attempted dribbles in an all-action performance.

“It was a very good performance where we created so many chances, [we] should have scored more goals, but congratulations to the players, we’re very proud of them.

“I’m not one to speak about individual football players, I’m not one to say to the group, this player, that player – but there were a lot of very good performances today – a very good team performance.

“Of course with a good team performance you will have some good standout performers, and that’s what we had on the pitch, so congratulations to everyone – it’s a collective effort and we’re proud of them.”

The 26-year-old has been a more regular feature in the Sundowns squad this season, with 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice.