Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has praised the club’s captain and creative playmaker Thembu Zwane, saying he is a rare breed but has lashed out at their opponents.
Mokwena compared ‘Mshishi’ to Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller, adding that those who think Zwane has a minimal role at Chloorkop are unfair to the player.
The outspoken manager also believes that when you watch the 33-year-old, who is in his 10th season with the Downs, it’s easier to see the difference and impact he brings to their attacks.
Meanwhile, Mokwena lashed out at their rivals in the DStv Premier League who continue to use dirty tactics with the sole aim of disrupting their football.
“Players like Thomas Muller and Themba are space navigators and they are dying out. You only have to watch Mshishi move around the field to understand what he gives,” said Mokwena.
“Performances speak for themselves and people will criticize and they have the right to do so, I’m sure Mshishi understand that too. The reality is that he does his best and follows instructions to the letter. He gives his best on the field.”
His disappointment came when they faced TS Galaxy, Chippa United and SuperSport United where they had to attack defensive teams that decided to “park the bus”.
While they managed to beat Chili Boys last week, the reigning league champions lost to Rockets and Amatsatsantsa A Pitori.
“And those games are very difficult when one of the two teams is responsible for the pace. In the last three or even four teams, they have come to disrupt and then it becomes a bit difficult to play a football match,” he lamented.
“It makes it look like Sundowns are playing badly, but in reality Sundowns are the only ones trying to play football.
“With things like stoppages, timeouts, fouls, free throws, shots on goal and too much time for restarts, you have breaks in the momentum of games. And then it doesn’t flow to the eye as it should be.”
Next up for the Tshwane giants is a match against AmaZulu, who they welcome to the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday to cement their top spot in the standings.
Image: Themba Zwane/Twitter
Rulani Mokwena/Mamelodi Sundowns
