Coach Rulani Lauds Counterparts for Great Reception in Mauritania

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Caoch Rulani heaped praises to Mauritanian side, FC Nouadhibou for the hospitality his side received for the duration of the trip. The Johannesburg-born tactician expressed his gratitude at the post-match press conference, following the 2-0 victory against FC Nouadhibou on Saturday evening at the Stade de la Capitale. It was the goals from Grant Kekana and Thembinkosi Lorch – who scored his first goal as a Brazilian – that helped the Pretoria side see of the home side.

Coach Rulani’s opening remarks were plaudits to his charges for getting the desired results away from home and displaying a great game of football that everyone could enjoy.

“Firstly I’d like to congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns on the victory against a very good Nouadhibou side that’s well coached and has some very good players. I think that was an incredible effort from our players and the whole team. I thought in the first half we had a lot of control and chances. In the second half we also had a lot of chances and the substitutes were also very good. They brought good energy to the pitch. I’d also like to thank FC Nouadhibou for a very good game. They were good opponents who were very competitive,” Coach Rulani stated.

“We expected a tough game. We trained on the pitch so we could see the conditions because we don’t play on astroturfs in South Africa. The humidity is not easy and that’s why you are stronger at home. Nouadhibou had some very good results against Pyramids FC and TP Mazembe where they picked the four points at home. We expected a difficult match and it proved to be a very difficult match with a lot of physicality. They had a very good defensive line. The midfield also had some very good players,” he continued.

The Masandawana head Coach proceeded to extend gratitude to the Mauratanian Football Association and their counterparts, FC Nouadhibou for their hospitality and ensuring that they enjoy their stay in Mauritania. He also highlighted the great work the Mauritanian Football Association has done with the football facilities.

“The people of Nouadhibou have received us well and we would like to thank them for hospitality and the treatment we received while we were in Mauritania. I’m pleasantly surprised with the facilities and the stadium. I think the praise from FIFA about how the Mauritanian Football Association has utilised the goal funds on the global projects is worthy. You can see the investment in the facilities. The sports centre is very fantastic. It’s good to see such and it’s encouraging. Big up to the Mauritanian Football Association and the work that’s been done here is incredible,” he highlighted.

Ka Bo Yellow will now head back home for a DStv Premiership mid-week fixture before shifting back their attention to the CAF Champions League for the weekend fixture against TP Mazembe at home. When asked about the CAFCL weekend fixture, Coach Rulani stated that his side will need to rest and prepare for their encounter against Amazulu before fully focusing on TP Mazembe.

“First we have to get home and recover. We have to watch this game and do our analysis on the performance. We have a mid-week match against Amazulu first, so we are taking it one game at a time. We’ll see what to do against TP Mazembe but first is recovery, good rest and try to be well prepared for the mid-week fixture,” he concluded.