Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Mokwena Praises Selfless Players in CAF CL Victory Over TP Mazembe

• Mamelodi Sundowns players let Peter Shalulile take the penalty in their victory over TP Mazembe
• Head coach, Rulani Mokwena, has applauded this selfless act that ended Shalulile's goal drought
• Sundowns ended atop their Group A in the CAF Champions League with 13 points after six games

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Rulani Mokwena, has showered praise on his team's unity after their 1-0 triumph against TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League.

The match played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, March 2, saw Sundowns secure the top spot in Group A.

The game's biggest highlight came in the 38th minute when striker, Peter Shalulile, converted a penalty, ending a goal drought dating back to December.

Despite his recent struggle to find the net, Shalulile's contribution was crucial in securing the win.

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Reflecting on the decision to allow the 30-year-old to take the penalty, Mokwena stressed the team's solidarity and credited captain, Themba Zwane, for his leadership.

The coach also highlighted the importance of supporting teammates in boosting morale and confidence.

"I didn’t even watch the penalty because I saw when they gave the ball to Peter and said, 'What a team, what a group of human beings'," said Mokwena, as quoted by Times Live.

Mokwena lauds Kenyan centre-back

Mokwena also commended Kenyan defender, Brian Mandela, despite the player's limited playing time in the past two seasons.

Despite making only 22 appearances across all competitions, the coach stressed the defender's value to Masandawana, citing his leadership qualities and experience.

"When he had a serious injury to his knee, from a psychological perspective, he should have stopped playing football. So, because Brian has played +20 games for Sundowns and he trains the way he trains and has the attitude that he has, he’s an unbelievable human being and very special," added Mokwena, as quoted on Far Post.

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The victory against Mazembe showcased Sundowns' resilience, bouncing back from previous setbacks in the group stage.

After mixed results, Masandawana demonstrated their character with important wins against Pyramids and Nouadhibou.

Looking ahead, Sundowns aim to maintain their momentum as they face TS Galaxy in their upcoming fixture at Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday, March 6.

Why Thembinkosi Lorch doesn't start for Sundowns

Sports Brief reported that Mokwena outlined the integration of new signings, including Thembinkosi Lorch, Matias Esquivel, and other stars.

Lorch, who recently joined from Orlando Pirates, has primarily appeared as a substitute but the coahc said this was part of a broad approach.