Actor Tumisho Masha has been a loyal Mamelodi Sundowns supporter for many years and has revealed why Daniel Mudau is his all-time favourite player at the club.
Soccer Laduma got in touch with the experienced actor to talk about where his love for Sundowns came from and why Mudau stands head and shoulders above the rest as his favourite player.
Talk to us about how you became a Sundowns supporter
My uncle used to play for a team in Mamelodi. He was an amateur wanting to turn pro. But he did not make it all the way. Funny enough, the uncle who wanted to play the sport and turn professional ended up not being a Sundowns supporter. But my other uncle was a Sundowns supporter. I was pretty much born in Mamelodi and I fell in love with the club.
What do you make of how Sundowns have performed this season?
I think they have performed very well. They are really trying and pushing. I have been impressed with the players and it really feels like the management supports the players so much because they share the prize money with the players (after winning the African Football League). They are a professional club and they are competitive. There are always rumours that Sundowns buy certain players to keep them away from other teams and I can understand that, but as a supporter, I think that makes good business sense. If you can afford it, then why not? There's cup competitions and league matches, so they have the players in the team to carry the load, you know what I mean?
What are your thoughts on coach Rulani Mokwena since he took over as head coach?
I think he has done well. As a manager, he is doing well. He takes care of his players and they seem to have a very good relationship with him. He has shown that he is savvy and he learns very fast. The way they have been playing the North African teams at their own game has been amazing. That's something we can't take for granted because when you play in North Africa, there is a lot of mind games and tricks that they do. If you don't grow up and become savvy, you will always lose and blame the conditions and blame the opposition for not giving you a good training pitch or a decent hotel. What I like about Sundowns is that they go out there and do their homework, so that their players can focus on playing.
Which player has impressed you the most at Sundowns this season?
It's hard to single out players, but Themba Zwane keeps on impressing. His work ethic and fitness levels at his age is always impressive. I've also been impressed with (Grant) Kekana and Khuliso Mudau. Khuliso is such a hard worker. He is an exceptionally talented player, but he just works hard every single game and I appreciate that about him.
Who is your all-time favourite Sundowns player?
It would be Mambush (Daniel Mudau). He always did his job and he could be relied upon as a striker. He is one of the all-time top scoring South African strikers. He was not particularly built like a striker, but he was tenacious and hard-working. He was someone who always put in an honest shift. All he needed was a chance and he would usually bury it. That's something we don't have anymore.
