Sundowns’ Rulani Mokwena lashes out at unfair criticism

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena says he is not angered by the criticism he receives from the fans and football pundits.

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Instead, he said the unfair criticism levelled at Sundowns and him is energising him as he looks to improve himself as a young coach in the South African DStv Premiership.

Mokwena lashed out at his doubters and critics after their 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants in their catch-up match last weekend away in Limpopo.

SUNDOWNS COACH RHULANI MOKWENA RESPONDS TO HIS CRITICS

Having guided the Brazilians to league glory and on the verge of reaching the final of the lucrative CAF Champions League, it seems many in the football fraternity are not convinced with Mokwena’s qualities.

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Sundowns claimed this season’s league title with only seven matches to spare and are away from home to face Moroccan giants, Wydad Casablanca in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Reacting to the naysayers, Mokwena said being criticised is good for his development, and that pushes him to invest more in his craft.

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“I take it (criticism) as much as I take the praise and the good moments, the not-so-high and the bad moments also,” he said in Polokwane.

“The people say anyone can coach this team. They are right, they are right, anyone can coach this team. But I can tell you not everyone can work as hard as I do. And not everyone can get it playing the way it plays.

“So I take it (criticism), it is good. It gives, believe you me, it gives me lots of energy. The haters, they give me lots of energy. They are the ones who make me spend sleepless nights. And I work very, very hard and I welcome it.”

RHULANI MOKWENA EXPECTS A TOUGH CLASH IN MOROCCO

The hard-working manager is looking for a favourable result in Casablanca and also shared his thoughts on the crucial encounter.

He believes the eagerly anticipated clash will be tricky for Sundowns but he is now banking on their tactical planning and analysis.

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“It’s going to be tricky, we know that. We are going to do our analysis now…They play tonight [Saturday] also, so we have to put in the observations,” he added.

“But at the moment the most important thing is good rest, drink lots of water and bring the legs back as quickly as possible.

“We expect a tough game with a hostile crowd and a difficult team, a good team and new coach now but they also expect a good team and a team that will come there and be brave to play.”