Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena says his team is not motivated by revenge ahead of the DStv Premiership clash against Supersport United.
Supersport United beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the first round with goals coming Thapelo Maseko and Bradley Grobler with Abubeker Nassir netting a stoppage time consolation goal for Masandawana.
“When we played them in the first round we were not good in the first half and had the [wrong] mentality having beaten them in the MTN8 [a week before],” says Mokwena. “But we have come a long way since that match. We don’t get motivated by revenge. We are more motivated by our dreams and what we want to achieve.
This is a Tshwane Derby, top of the table clash – two very good teams with two different styles of play and the data will support that. Interesting enough Supersport has the highest number of box crosses in the league, but the distribution from the goalkeeper is not the longest in the league. They have an experienced coach Gavin Hunt who knows how to win.”
Sundowns are currently on top the log with 40 points and despite being favourites to retain the league title, Mokwena believes it’s still early.
“No league title that has been won in our January – this is our mentality and what we are talking about. It takes more than 40 points to win the title.
In the last two games Supersport United had a very good performance with the two centre backs that stood in [for Thulani Hlatshwayo and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe]. Siya Nhlapo is very experienced and a Bafana international – Luke Fleurs is consistent and comfortable in the air. They are good regardless who plays and it’s still going to be difficult to breach their defence. It’s a team that, regardless who plays, is going to be difficult to beat.”