Rulani singles out Sundowns' match-winner

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena reserved some special praise for match-winner Junior Mendieta on Tuesday night.

Sundowns didn’t enjoy the fluid football they are known for and with a draw on the cards, Argentine-born Junior Mendieta struck the winner right at the death.

It was a much-changed side with the usual suspects rested ahead of Friday’s key quarter-final second-leg showdown against Young Africans in the CAF Champions League.

Read: Sundowns leave it late to see off Richards Bay

“One thing I said even to the players on the bench, he deserved it. You know, because he is not one when he doesn’t play, he’s got a long face and he sulks no. He is so positive; he tries and he’s coachable," Mokwena told SuperSport TV.

“He has got some very good attributes as a human being and I like that. It hasn’t been easy for him for sure, the language is not something that he is already over and moving from a coastal type of team and a different type of profile in terms of the playing style and come to Sundowns has been difficult for him.

“But he has been positive and the rest of the players have helped him and tried to support so very good and as I said I’m so happy for them and happy for the subs, happy for the young (Siyabonga) Mabena also.

“You know, he deserves a special mention. I thought he was also very good. It was good to see Sammy Seabi on the bench, he is also one of those such a good character to have around.

“Doesn’t play much but no problems, no whinging, no whining, and I’m so happy for the group, it’s not easy for them most of them haven’t played for a very long time and they keep coming, keep believing and giving their best and that’s all we can ask for isn’t it."

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