Rulani Mokoena says Sundowns is underappreciated despite winning 'difficult league'

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena-(Picture by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix)

Over the weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned the 2022/23 DSTV Premiership Champions for the sixth consecutive season.

Sundowns won the league without playing a game on Saturday after second-placed Supersport United drew 1-1 with Chippa United, which left them with a 19-point lead.

The Brazilians have 59 points after 23 games, with all three teams below them on 40 points.

The team’s coach Rulani Mokoena feels that his team has not been given enough credit for their achievements.

“Maybe we are victims of our own success,” bemoaned Mokoena. “People undermine the difficulties of winning the Premier League. A league title is the hardest in any country to win…. Because you have got to play 15 opponents both home and away and the competition lasts eight months.”

Namibian striker Peter Shalulile celebrates his goal with his Mamelodi Sundowns teammates in the DSTV Premiership.

The Sundowns coach added that it was difficult to maintain the same level of consistency.

“From a mental perspective, it’s extremely difficult. and so that’s why I always say in my press conferences, that not a lot of appreciation is given to this group.”

Sundowns won the league title with seven games still to play. Its their 13th league title, more than Kaizer Chiefs (4), Orlando Pirates (4), and Supersport United (3).

The Pretoria-based side also qualified for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after beating Cotton Sports 2-1 on Saturday, a result that ensured that they finished on top of Group B.

They will return to domestic league action this evening when they face Cape Town City FC.

Richard Mwila Jr April 4, 2023

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Richard Mwila Jr. is a Zambian football writer and sports analyst who currently works for BolaNews. He has written articles for several Zambian online sports websites. His content was initially focused solely on the Zambian Super League, but he has recently begun reporting on African football, primarily on stories involving continental football. He is also well-known for his work with United Voice Radio, on which he appears on a regular basis.