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40 Games Unbeaten! Rulani Sings Downs Stars' Praises

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PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 27:  Rulani Mokwena celebrates with players during the DStv Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on February 27, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 27: Rulani Mokwena celebrates with players during the DStv Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on February 27, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena had nothing but praise for his side, who extended their unbeaten run to 40 games in the DStv Premiership.

The Brazilians moved 12 points clear at the top after defeating AmaZulu 3-0, with Lucas Costa Ribeiro netting a hat-trick at Loftus Versfeld.

Read: Ribeiro Nets Hat-Trick As Downs Open 12-Point Lead  

Mokwena was pleased with how patient the Brazilians were throughout the game and says the team have a special place in his heart.

"Let's congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns, congratulate the fans, a great turnout for a Tuesday fixture and congratulate the football club, everybody, the players, the technical team, great performance," Mokwena told SuperSport after the game.

"First-half I thought we played very well, I thought the performance was just missing a goal. We created a lot of chances also, the build-ups were good, we had a good occupation of the pitch and we were very patient, I like that.

"I like it when we're patient and we don't rush things but closer to the box you need another touch, especially when they go man-marking you know. "

But the second-half we improved a little bit, receiving the balls in the pockets, influencing the game a little bit closer to the box," he said.

"Good counter-pressing to re-generate chances and so a great effort from the players, very proud of them. I love this team and this group of players has a very special place in my heart. So congratulations to the team, to the players and everybody at the football club."

The Sundowns tactician also went to reveal the two-month break during the Africa Cup of Nations helped a lot of the players gear up for the second half of the campaign.

"We tried to train the team not for the group, we tried to train for the entire team, so you've got principles that we try to work on and I think also the break helped us a bit, because during the FIFA break we got some time to work on Zuko [Mdunyelwa], [Bathusi] Aubaas, Sipho [Mbule], Lebo [Maboe] and so many of the other players that needed a little bit more support also, emotional support and confidence you know," he added.

"And an understanding that they are good enough to play for this team but at the end it's about brotherhood, they've got a very great team spirit, they love each other, they support each other and this is what happens.

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