Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena heaped praise on Argentine midfielder Junior Mendieta after scoring the winning goal in their win over Richards Bay on Tuesday evening.
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The Brazilians extended their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership after claiming a 1-0 win over the Natal Rich Boys thanks to a 94th minute winner by Mendieta at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Sundowns now maintain their position at the top of the league standings with 49 points from 19 matches played so far this season.
Mokwena had high praise for Mendieta as a player and a human being but also reserved special praise for Sammy Seabi and Siyabonga Mabena, who came of the bench to put in a good shift for the club.
“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 after the game.
“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.”
Sundowns will now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League when they take on Young Africans in their quarter-final return leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday, with kick-off set for 8pm.
Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
