Sundowns sweep away Mathaithai

Mamelodi Sundowns swept aside Mathaithai FC 6-0 in the Nedbank Cup last 16 on Tuesday night at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville.

Masandawana were ruthless in their encounter with the third-tier side, especially in the second half.

After the game, Downs coach Rulani Mokwena expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.

“Congratulations to our team, it was not a fluent performance in relation to our schemes, but that’s only normal when you’ve changed the line-up and rotated the squad. That’s the price you’ll pay because you lose cohesive superiority.

“The attitude of the players was very good, the application, the energy was very good and they did the best that they could under very difficult circumstances.

“It’s not easy to play against an opponent that you don’t know too much about because they play in the lower league, but our preparations, our diligence in making sure that we have the information for the players and we show how serious we are about this game it also allowed us to try to get them in to the right frame of mind.”

The Pretoria side outclassed the Free State side with two early first half goals and four more in the second half.

Bradley Ralani, Themba Zwane, Thabiso Kutumela, Andile Jali and Lebogang Maboe were all on target.

Mokwena felt that the game went to new heights in the second half.

“It got a little bit better in the second half, we were just very happy to get the team into the next round, we are happy with the way in which we played. Apart from Sphelele Mkhulise’s groin complication, we finished the game without too many muscular complications or injuries, so we are happy to be able to tick that box, we are happy to tick the box that we have allowed and given some game time to some of these players that we know we are going to need in the long run.”

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The Brazilians coach briefly reflected on the return of one of his troops who hugely displayed an impressive display in the match.

“It was great to see Lebo Maboe coming back from a long-term injury, and not just coming back but being able to provide an assist and a goal.

“He deserves it because of his professional conduct and how he has carried himself throughout his rehabilitation process and this is a great example of what happens when you are steadfast and focused, and dedicated to your profession. Lebo’s story is just a story that is not just indicative of the talent that he possesses but the type of human being that he is. It was great to see him coming in and playing the way he did and contributing to the win today.”

Sundowns will now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League where they host to Al Ahly.

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