Rulani Mokwena: Sundowns Boss Explains Why Shalulile and Matthews Did Not Start in Tshwane Derby

• Peter Shalulile and Tashreeq Matthews did not start in the Tshwane derby
• Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw at home by SuperSport United
• Masandawana extended their impressive unbeaten streak to 42 league games

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Rulani Mokwena, has explained why Peter Shalulile and Tashreeq Matthews did not make the starting lineup for the Tshwane derby on Tuesday, March 12.

The highly-anticipated clash between Sundowns and their local rivals, SuperSport United, ended in a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, despite the hosts making some strategic changes upfront.

Gaston Sirino and Matias Esquivel were chosen to start, replacing Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro, who were sidelined due to injury.

Despite the draw, Masandawana extended their impressive unbeaten streak to 42 league games.

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Mokwena expressed his satisfaction with giving less-played players a chance, stressing the importance of providing more playing time in the second half.

“Thapelo deserved some minutes. Mendieta has been very well in training, he also deserved some minutes. Peter, we are trying to manage him. Tash is struggling a bit because there is Ramadan. We wanted to start him but he’s struggling a bit because of the fasting,” said Mokwena, as quoted by iDiski Times.

The draw earned the Brazilians 46 points from 18 matches in the Premier Soccer League, maintaining their dominance in the league and extending their unbeaten streak to an impressive 42 games.

They are now the firm favourites to clinch their record-extending seventh consecutive league title.

Sundowns’ advantage is further highlighted by the fact that they have played two matches fewer than second-placed Pirates, whose inconsistent form this season has frustrated their fans.

On the other hand, SuperSport climbed to third place in the league table, albeit with an inferior goal difference to Orlando Pirates.

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Both teams now focus on the Nedbank Cup, with United facing Richards Bay at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday, March 16, while Sundowns host Maritzburg United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, March 17, as reported by Times Live.

Mokwena says Thembinkosi Lorch has settled

Sports Brief reported that Mokwena shared insights on Thembinkosi Lorch's integration into the club's core group.

Lorch was one of the four players signed in the January transfer window alongside Zuko Mdunyelwa, Matias Esquivel, and Tashreeq Matthews.

The manager stressed the gradual process of the midfielder adapting to life.