Mngqithi hails work ethic of Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi was pleased with the effort of his players in their comfortable 2-0 DStv Premiership win over Sekhukhune United on Tuesday.

Goals from Aubrey Modiba, a screamer from 35-yards, and Peter Shalulile sealed the victory for Sundowns, who have already been crowned champions this season.

“We must compliment the boys, they are working hard, which is very important,” Mngqithi says. “As coaches we try to provide extra motivation and put new objectives to them, but sometimes when players know they have won the championship, they might not give what you want.

“I did feel that sometimes we dropped in intensity and became more relaxed. The last 15 minutes of the second half were not at the level that I would have liked, but the truth is they worked hard and wanted to win the match.”

Shalulile took his tally in the league to 22 goals with his late strike, and has three games left to beat the PSL record of 25 goals from former Kaizer Chiefs striker Collins Mbesuma in the 2004-05 season.

“I just wish Peter can go beyond that 25-goal mark,” Mngqithi says. “I just want him to keep scoring, he deserves everything that comes his way, He works very hard and he gives our team a lot of momentum, both offensively and defensively.

“People are not aware of that, but he plays a significant role in our first line of defence with his counter-pressing.”

Sundowns are at Chiefs on Sunday, before they close their league campaign against Stellenbosch FC (home) and Royal AM (away).

“We would love to take all nine points, because that will take us closer to what we want to achieve. We want to do better than the 67 points we got last season.”

Sundowns will also play in the Nedbank Cup final against holders Marumo Gallants on May 28.