‘I can’t be a Sundowns coach and celebrate draws’: Rulani Mokwena

Although Rulani Mokwena felt like he had won against Kaizer Chiefs in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final, the Mamelodi Sundowns coach has explained why it’s unacceptable as the Tshwane giants coach to celebrate a draw.

Khuliso Mudau broke the hearts of Chiefs fans as he netted a stoppage-time equaliser to deny the Soweto giants an important victory at a packed FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.  

The Sundowns defender scored in the 93rd minute to cancel out Edson Castillo’s opener for Chiefs early in the second half. The Glamour Boys had taken the lead from their only clear chance in a game where Sundowns were the dominant side.

It was not the desired result for Sundowns, and Mokwena was not a happy coach after the game but was appreciative of the efforts of his troops.

“The feeling is like a victory, and I want to congratulate the football club and the players for a very good performance,” said Mokwena.

Mokwena says Sundowns always aimS to win

“[A] very dominant [performance]; 71 per cent ball possession against a team like Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium is not easy.

“And I think we deserved to win, but at the very least, we did not deserve to lose. Congratulations to the players for an incredible fighting spirit.”

Mokwena went on to suggest that it’s not worth it for an elite league coach to celebrate a draw.

The Soweto-born tactician stated that Sundowns went to FNB Stadium to win the game as their seven-game winning streak in all competitions in the new season came to an end. However, they remain the only unbeaten team this campaign.

“I’ve to be careful because I can’t be a Sundowns coach and celebrate draws. I will get into big trouble,” added Mokwena.

“I don’t know how to feel about it, but there is a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for sure, maybe not for the scoreline but for the performance and process of showing desire and wanting to win every single match.

“And I think that is still very important for us as a club and for us as a team, and a big congratulation and appreciation to the players for that.”

RELATED STORY: Chiefs, Sundowns share spoils at FNB Stadium