Rulani Mokwena: Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Rallies Troops After Unbeaten Run Ends, Vows to Bounce Back

• Rulani Mokwena has urged his players to stay positive and celebrate their achievements
• Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first loss in 29 games against TS Galaxy in the PSL
• Mokwena is also embroiled in a legal battle with TS Galaxy following a heated altercation

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Rulani Mokwena, has encouraged his team to remain positive despite their first league defeat of the season.

Masandawana suffered a rare loss in the final match of the DSTv Premiership against Cape Town City.

Jaedin Rhodes' 61st-minute strike effectively ended Sundowns' 29-match unbeaten streak in the PSL, allowing Eric Tinkler’s team to claim a priceless victory at Loftus Versfeld.

Although the defeat put a damper on the Brazilians' title celebrations, Mokwena stressed the importance of focusing on their remarkable achievements. He acknowledged the desire to complete an undefeated season but reminded his players of the significance of their success.

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"You’re not entitled to win. I don’t want to see anyone with their head down. You deserve to be celebrated, but nobody deserves to celebrate you more than you should be celebrating yourselves. So, I want you to give yourselves an incredible round of applause for what has been an amazing season," Mokwena said, speaking on SStv Channel 202, as reported by iDiski Times.

Mokwena continued by highlighting the effort that went into their achievements over the past ten months, urging his players to celebrate themselves.

Despite the recent setback, Sundowns have an opportunity to secure a league and cup double when they face Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at Mbombela Stadium on June 1.

Mokwena's legal dispute with TS Galaxy

Amidst the title celebrations, Mokwena is embroiled in a legal dispute with TS Galaxy following a contentious 1-1 draw in their DSTv Premiership match. The rivalry between Galaxy coach Sead Ramović and the Sundowns boss has been highly publicized, with both sides accusing each other of misconduct and complaining about officiating decisions.

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According to SABC Sport, the conflict escalated when the Rockets approached the high court over Mokwena’s alleged defamatory comments about Ramović. The Mpumalanga-based club demanded an apology and retraction from the Sundowns coach, eventually pursuing legal action.

Mokwena sets record straight on Lorch

Sports Brief reported that Mokwena answered questions on Thembinkosi Lorch's playing time, which some believe is unfair and has been influenced by their friendship.

The midfielder, who joined the club in January, has been criticized for his lacklustre performances so far, with some suggesting he hasn't justified the time he receives.

Mokwena brushed off the suggestions, stressing that his focus is on the team's success, not personal relationships.