It is still early days but some Mamelodi Sundowns supporters have spotted changes in quick style of play under head coach Rulani Mokwena.
The fans were comparing Sundowns play in Tuesday’s 5-0 win over Maritzburg United to that of Manqoba Mngqithi.
In a reaction via Sundowns’ Facebook page, Zanoxolo Cetywayo said the DStv Premiership champions looked different in their build-ups from the back.
“Yesterday’s performance can win us CL [ CAF Champions League]. I’ve been crying for quick football and counter attack since we have some of the fastest players in the league,” he said.
Akani Maluleke shared Cetywayo said slow build-ups from the back were Sundowns’ biggest undoing.
“For the first time this season, we had direct football. We used to play possession football with
slow build ups. With such football, opposition teams are quick to close down the space.
But yesterday, the team was quick and direct,” he said.
Mompati Kgari went a step further to liken Mokwena to Manchester City’s astute manager Pep Guardiola.
“Lead us Pep, we are your people,” he said.
Keletso Dion Marapyane choose to focus on Mokwena’s squad rotation policy.
“So far, so good. I was happy about the squad rotation that happened
Yesterday. Hopefully, in the next game, we’ll see new guys playing,” he said.
Smart Eric said he witnessed some new levels of commitment and hunger from the players.
“I love the anger from our boys yesterday. It shows how embarrassed they are for losing to a minor team due to the fact that we underrated those Ghosts. We won’t make such mistakes again,” he said.
GREAT DISPLAY
Khuks Gumede felt Maritzburg lost the game because they got a bitter taste of their own bitter medicine.
“Great display. We caught Maritzburg on their game. They plan quick counters and fast movements. They got shocked to see fast movements and counters,” Gumede noted.
Busang Mosupye could not agree more with Gumede on the DStv Premiership champions fast-paced play.
“It was a shock you could see even with Maduka and his technical on the bench,” he chipped in.
Sundowns won the game courtesy of goals from Haashim Domingo (double), Thapelo Morena and Cassius Mailula.
Mngqithi was relegated to the position of senior coach, two days after the DStv Premiership champions crashed out of the MTN8 Cup following a heavy 3-0 loss to Orlando Pirates in the semifinal, second leg match.
The changes also saw previous senior coach Steve Komphela promoted to first team coach. Under the previous set-up, Mokwena and Mngqithi were seen as co-head coaches.
