In what appeared to be a dig at Chippa United coach Morgan Mammila that they will do the talking on the field prior to the game against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, coach Rulani Mokwena has seemingly replied back to that.
Mokwena, after they beat Chippa United 2-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, said: “Football is not a talk show.”
The former Orlando Pirates caretaker did not get involved in the war of words with Mammila, who claimed that they will not be rolled over by Sundowns, having drawn 1-1 with Pirates at the same venue midweek.
Mokwena said people can talk all they want but a lot went behind the scenes to study Chippa based on the past three matches against Kaizer Chiefs, TS Galaxy and Pirates and knew when they would react and it fell off perfectly like that in his hands.
“We are moving every game, getting close,” said Mokwena when he was asked where they were at the moment after the game.
“We are getting minutes in the legs, we are getting better and you can see when we play, so much better today in the first half and we responded very well to the game against a difficult opponent, as I said to you, who respond for sure and try to be a bit more aggressive and you see with the subs.
“Immediately at half time, which we anticipated because the last time they were 1-0 down at half time they made three subs, so we anticipated that they could look into the bench.
“We preempted and prepared for that which is essential because we do a lot of work. That’s why I say coaching is not a talk show – there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, there is a lot of work.
“Sit and watch Chippa’s games – the last three matches, 90 minutes and check what they do, to check the training, talk to the players, there is a lot of work. But of course, God loves us all and that’s why He rewards hard work and He rewards diligence, rewards honesty and professionalism.
“God takes care of those things because when he sees that you are working hard, He doesn’t leave you.”
Sundowns, as often the case despite promised the fight, found their way as Aubrey Modiba side-footed the first in the 36th minute. Justice Chabalala, under less pressure, inadvertently scored in his own net four minutes later.
That was enough to see Downs get the fourth league win of the season to continue with their winning start.
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It means Sundowns, under Mokwena, continue to be without a league defeat since he assumed the post in October, which stands in 24 league matches now. Sundowns has not lost a league since which stands at 28 matches.
Also, Sundowns, since they met Chippa for the first time ahead of the 2012/13 season, are yet to suffer a league loss, which stands to 21 matches.
