Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has sang special praises for the group of players that featured in Wednesday’s game with Bloemfontein Celtic.
Sundowns, who had a couple of fringe players in their lineup, beat Celtic 2-0, as they ended the campaign unbeaten away from home to set a record in the PSL.
Masandawana started with the likes of Haashim Domingo, Andile Jali and Mothobi Mvala in midfield, with Gaston Sirino, Peter Shalulile and Gift Motupa were deployed in attack against Siwelele.
Mngqithi, who was excited to see the new combinations, gave a positive review of the overall performance and singled out some of the fringe players for special commendation.
“I believe the group played very well. I believe Haashim [Domingo] had a good game. Peter [Shalulile], as usual, also played well. Gift Motupa could have done better in the high press but I still believe he had some very good moments,” he reflected.
“Mosa [Lebusa] at the back was firm, he had lot of good moments. AJ [Jali] also played good football and created some good moments in the attacking third.
“I still believe we could have done better than we did. When Grant [Margeman] came in, he also showed good signs which was encouraging for us. Lesedi [Kapinga] also did well.
“Even Kennedy [Mweene] played well from the back, very helpful in our build up – we never really stressed whenever a back pass was played to him because he is very comfortable on the ball and he makes good decisions.”
Goalkeeper Jody February, who was on the bench Wednesday, is the only player yet to feature in any game for Sundowns this season.
Squad depth cannot be over-emphasized one and it’s easy to see that even the fringe stars of the Brazilians have quality to start for many other PSL sides. With that in mind, it is no surprise they are the reigning champions and have dominated South African football for the past four seasons.