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Siyabonga Mabena, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

"All the newspapers must have 'record-breaking' Mamelodi Sundowns' - Mokwena demands more coverage and plaudits after achievement

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Stellenbosch 3-1 on Wednesday night at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium to make history as the first team in the Premier Soccer League to go 32 straight matches without tasting defeat.

The initial record was held by Kaizer Chiefs who had managed 31 outings; furthermore, by winning against Stellies, Sundowns registered eight consecutive wins this season to equal the PSL record for consecutive wins in the 2014/15 season.

Siyabonga Mabena became the youngest player, at the age of 16, to score for Sundowns in a competitive match. Coach Rhulani Mokwena now believes Downs' success should be made public in the best way possible.

  • Peter Shalulile, Rhulani Mokwena, Mamelodi SundownsBackpagePix

    Shout it to the world!

    The outspoken coach believes recent achievement should get special attention since it is not easy to achieve it.

    "I am super proud. Unfortunately, I am the type of person who doesn’t celebrate too much because there is an important match for us at the weekend," Mokwena told the media.

    "The record you are talking about has been standing for almost 20 years; if we go for another two years it will be 20 years since the record has not been broken and we must remember it was a super team that had that record, a very good side.

    "[On Thursday] all the newspapers must have 'record-breaking' and not on the back page. It is not a back-page story but it is a front-page story with the pictures of the players as a group," he continued.

    "The players deserve it because to do what they are doing by being relentless, being focused, having perseverance, these are the traits of championship-winning teams.

    "What they have demonstrated is incredible, they are doing it while still trying to play the right way, and playing the right way is the way we think football should be played."

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  • Khuliso Mudau & Mothobi Mvala, Mamelodi SundownsBackpagepix

    Sundowns not getting enough plaudits!

    Mokwena is not satisfied with the attention Masandawana are getting after hitting greater heights.

    "It is unbelievable. I speak about this group not getting enough plaudits and getting enough praise. I don’t think we are appreciated enough, honestly. I don’t look for appreciation anymore because I don’t get it," Mokwena opined.

    "It is just part of the selflessness of a leader and where are you going to get appreciation in modern society? I said to the players this week that it is important... Every human being wants to feel loved and appreciated."

  • Siyabonga Mabena and Peter Shalulile, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Shalulile lauded for being unselfish

    In the absence of Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokwena, Peter Shalulile was given the arm-band.

    "We could have given [the captainancy] to anybody... but the feeling was that [Shalulile] should get it, and then you see the selflessness, which is a number one trait of a leader," Mokwena explained the decision.

    "The biggest thing is when it is demonstrated. You can see that Shalulile could have easily taken the shot, but he passes it to the young Mabena.

    "It was the right decision [to make him the captain for the game]."

  • Aubrey Modiba and Peter Shalulile, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    What the results mean

    After Wednesday's win against Stellenbosch, Sundowns have collected maximum points from the eight PSL matches played this season.

    The closest team are Golden Arrows who are on 14 points, 10 less than Masandawana, having played seven matches.

    Stellies are placed 14th with just seven points, having played eight league games.

  • Mamelodi Sundowns fanBackpage

    What next for Downs

    The Brazilians will now focus on Saturday's second leg of the Caf Champions League second preliminary round against Burundi champions Bumamuru.

    Downs have a 4-0 advantage after the initial meeting staged in Tanzania's Azam Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

  • Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

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