How Rulani Mokwena keep fringe players happy at Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has explained how he keeps his fringe players happy despite the stiff competition at the club.

Sundowns claimed a historical 14th victory in a row after beating Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the DStv Premiership at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Peter Shalulile and Cassius Mailula were both on the score sheet as the Tshwane giants handed Babina Noko their first defeat since Brandon Truter took over as head coach.

The Chloorkop-based side has a handful of quality players, who are struggling for game time.

Downs’ coach Mokwena made a lot of changes to the starting line-up in the previous two matches.

The Soweto born tactician has now explained how he keep fringe players happy.

RULANI MOKWENA ON SUNDOWNS’ FRINGE PLAYERS

“You have to make them [fringe players] feel like they are part of the process,” Mokwena told the media.

“Of course that’s why we train, we train for that. We play friendly matches for that. For an example when we went to Polokwane [mid-season camp].

“We had to get to a level where everyone is playing 90 minutes. We would not leave another group behind but compliments to them because they are good human beings.

“They compete without a toxic feeling amongst each other.

“It helps because good football players are good human beings, that makes them part of the process,” he added.

Sundowns have had an impressive start to the 2022/23 season. They currently hold the longest winning streak in the PSL.

The Brazilians are currently on a 14-game unbeaten run in the league since Mokwena took over as a sole head coach.

Masandawana have won 17 games, drawn once and lost only two times after 20 games played.

They’re positioned top of the log with 52 points, 22 points away from the second placed Richards Bay who are sitting on 30 points.

The run-away log leaders Sundowns will face Orlando Pirates in the mouth-watering DStv Premiership clash next Saturday, 4th of February at Orlando Stadium.

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