Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena says he is not appreciated considering the records he sets and the job he is doing for the club. Sundowns just set a new PSL record for the longest unbeaten run of 22 matches when they beat Sekhukhune United 2-1 on Tuesday. The DStv Premiership log leaders and defending champions are now focusing on their CAF Champions League semi-final match slated for Friday night.
Mokwena has also led Sundowns to two continental semi-final qualifications in a row and argues that he has done better than his predecessor, Pitso Mosimane, but Mzansi can’t appreciate his work. Ahead of the clash against Esperance of Tunisia, Mokwena says he is not appreciated and credited for the job he is doing at Chloorkop.
Why Mokwena Feels He is Not Appreciated as Sundowns Boss
The astute manager, Mokwena stated that he doesn’t feel appreciated by South Africans for the hard work he puts in as coach of globetrotting Sundowns.
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Sundowns have faced a congested fixture schedule this term, they are involved in the league, Champions League, and are in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
“I am tired because a lot is going on — but no one cares, I just have to get on with it. I have to do press conferences, maybe six press conferences every week because we are playing three games,” said Mokwena after beating Sekhukhune.
“I have to talk to you, I have to plan training, I have to watch games. I had to watch Esperance eight times. I have to do corrections and people will say, ‘He is talking about fatigue but he has 46 players.’ But you only have one head coach and he suffers with the players because he’s got work to do, he’s got to do analysis and other things. I am allowed to be tired because I am human.”
“I don’t feel appreciated. I don’t think the amount of investment and sacrifice we give is appreciated. It affects me because I am human and I am not afraid to say it because sometimes to speak about your weaknesses is a good thing. You can know how to galvanise yourself and find strength.”
The former Orlando Pirates mentor and his Sundowns troops are close to retaining their league title for the seventh time on the trot, but he argues that Mzansi fans don’t take notice of that achievement.
Sundowns Players Show Love to Mokwena
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He added that his resilient players are on his case as they feel for him, they say he doesn’t sleep enough but the coach knows the job must be done. Mokwena also explained that complaining will not bring the results at Masandawana but he aims to continue and bring glory to Chloorkop.
“But I am strong because I have the support of the club and the players, which is very important. I get constant calls and messages. My players are the ones who are constantly asking me to sleep a little,” added the Sundowns boss.
“They are on my case every day, but I can’t sleep because the moment I sleep is the moment people will beat us. The only thing I know is to continue what we are doing, with performances and results. To improve the performances in what is an abnormal season. Last season we didn’t have the Telkom Knockout and the AFL, which had six games and you had to travel three times.
“We didn’t have AFCON where we had Peter Shalulile and eight more players from playing almost every single game… I don’t have time for training, It’s about videos [analysis]. They know that every day there is a video session. I don’t know any other way to succeed or give back to this football club and repay them for the loyalty they’ve shown to me by giving me this opportunity, except to sacrifice my sleep and my health and to deliver the results. I don’t know any other way. And I will continue to do that.”
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