Rulani Mokwena credits tactics for snapping Stellenbosch’s 25-game unbeaten run

The Brazilians will now face Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on 1 June for the trophy and R7-million prize money. 

READ: Sundowns see off Stellenbosch to secure Nedbank Cup final place

Stellies put up a fight by clawing their way back in the 2-1 defeat at Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday, but Mokwena insists Sundowns were spot on with their strategy. 

"I think we also got the tactics right today. We spent a lot of time watching Stellies; there wasn't a lot of time to prepare on the pitch, but we used that time for video [analysis]," commented Mokwena.

"A very awkward side that don't throw too many numbers ahead of the ball, but the numbers that they do throw are fast – players with huge capacity to arrive in your box, like [Anicet] Oura, [Deano] van Rooyen, [Fawaaz] Basadien, even with [Iqraam] Rayners as the focal point, and [Devin] Titus."

Mokwena added that, although the ending was nervy, they were able to read and counter coach Steve Barker’s game plan.

"And the trend is always [Antonio] van Wyk coming off the bench, and he increases the intensity and tempo, so we beat a very good side, and I think we got the tactics right," he added.

"The game became a bit complicated after we missed the penalty, which was bittersweet because I look at it and say to myself, 'I want us to score the penalty, but I'm very proud of Peter amid a difficult run, still putting up his hand and showing that mentality.'

"But I'm more proud of this football team and this group of players – when I say to you, they are good human beings, this is exactly what I mean, and they sacrifice the penalty to say, 'Let's give it to Peter.'

"This shows what type of group we have, and the type of players we have."

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