Sundowns loss was a ‘wake-up call’

Retired defender Phelelani Mpangase believes Mamelodi Sundowns’ loss to SuperSport on Friday was an early wake-up call.

Mpangase praised SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt and captain Thulani Hlatshwayo on their 2-1 victory over the DStv Premiership champions.

Matsatsantsa recorded their first win against their biggest rivals for the first time in nine years.

In the build-up to the game, SuperSport’s Gavin Hunt and Manqoba Mgqithi of Sundowns had a lot to say.

Mpangase believes their pre-match remarks added to pressure on the players. “It was a good game; the war started during the week with coaches, which put more pressure on the players. 

“SuperSport United made it hard for Mamelodi Sundowns to play their normal game. 

“Peter Shalulile couldn’t do anything which was a proper masterclass from coach Gavin Hunt,” Mpangase told FARPost.

Hunt has had some challenges in the past year, from being axed by Kaizer Chiefs after a poor spell to joining Chippa United and not doing well. 

His former captain at Bidvest Wits, Thulani Hlatshwayo, was also coming from a demanding spell at Orlando Pirates and Mpangase believes the Sundowns victory was good for both men. 

“I think this win showed that coach Gavin Hunt still got it, and this SuperSport team will hurt many people. 

“I’m so happy for Hunt and Thulani Hlatshwayo. They proved doubters wrong. Many wrote them off after what they went through in the past few months but look at them now. I think this is just the beginning for SuperSport. And for Sundowns, it was a huge wake-up call,” he added.

After the win, their second of the season, and Saturday’s results, SuperSport are now in ninth place. Sundowns are in fourth place before Sunday’s games. 

SuperSport play Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs in their next two games, while Masandawana have Chippa United and Golden Arrows.