After two months of not participating in the DStv Premiership, Mamelodi Sundowns made a statement in the top-flight by securing the bragging rights in the Tshwane Derby after defeating SuperSport United 2-0 on Wednesday evening at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Goals from Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro saw Downs cruise back to the top of the table. The Pretoria-based side had more to celebrate as they broke another record in the PSL by winning nine games consecutively. Beaming with pride, Coach Rulani congratulated his outfit for a good fight in the pitch.
“I have to first start by congratulating the football club, the technical team and players who are incredible human beings. I would like to also congratulate the supporters for getting the bragging rights in the derby which is very important. I congratulate the team for breaking and setting another record, which is the nine straight wins. This is a record that has almost been standing for two decades. It is incredible what this group keeps on doing,” he said.
After Lucas Ribeiro’s set-piece found the back of the net, the visitor’s bench celebrated the goal in an amusing manner, seeming like they had achieved something they worked on for so long. When asked about the celebrations after the second goal, coach Rulani gave the credits to his players and technical team.
“I don’t like taking credit for things. We have a set-piece coach and sometimes I come up with these ideas, fortunately I get the support of the technical team and the players who have to execute. That’s the most important part. So congratulations to them for executing it so well it,” he stated.
Masandawana managed created plenty of chances throughout the encounter, earning them a two-goal advantage before the half time break. They continued to knock on the door but their efforts were not producing a goal. The Johannesburg-born tactician stated that he saw the chances created but he is satisfied with the three points his side collected because after all, it wasn’t an easy game.
“To beat a very good side like SuperSport United is very tough but I thought the players did very well. We created so many chances, I don’t know how it stayed 2-0. Peter Shalulile could have scored a hat-trick. Lucas Ribeiro could have scored maybe one more goal. Lebohang Maboe had another two good situations. We will take the 2-0. To limit SuperSport United with the percentage game that they played, I am very proud of them, the performance and the fact that we won,” coach Rulani stated.
“It’s very satisfying to see these kind of results. How do we do it? You need good football players who are good human beings. We don’t always have nice talks, we have to push them to get results and fortunately I sit in a position where I’m extremely privileged where I work very good players and the support of a very good structure from the entire club from the senior management all the way to the technical team,” he continued praising his side.
How we lined up: Williams, De Reuck, Mashego, B. Onyango, Lebusa, Mkhulise, Maboe, Maema, Ribeiro, Morena, Shalulile.
Subs: Pieterse, Kekana, Mudau, Ngobeni, Mokoena, Nkosi, Nku, Zwane, Sirino.
