Rulani Mokwena pleased Mamelodi Sundowns squad rotation paid off

The Brazilians left it until late when attacker Junior Mendieta came off the bench to score an injury time winner to maintain the club’s unbeaten run of 19 matches in the DStv Premiership and add to the visitors’ troubles at the bottom.

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Mokwena rested a lot of the key players ahead of Friday’s crucial second leg tie against Young Africans in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals, but admits the performance was far from perfect.

''Few things I didn't like about the performance. But in retrospect, with the number of rotations, with the lot of players that have not played in a long time. I'm happy with the attitude, the energy and the spirit of brotherhood,'' said Mokwena.

Mokwena did note that it was necessary to be patient with Richards Bay sitting too deep and seemingly content with a point – until Mendieta arrived in the box to convert midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise’s timely cross.

''I'm happy with the never say die attitude, to keep trying and to keep trying, these kinds of games are difficult. The solutions you have to find. But, part of it is to be patient and to keep trying,'' added Mokwena.

The coach revealed that Downs have been working tirelessly on the delivery from Mkhulise in training as part of improving ways to unlock a stubborn defense.

''But I'm happy for the half space cross, very proud of the efforts of the players, proud of the substitutions and the impact of the subs,'' he concluded.

Mokwena also singled out goal scorer Mendieta for praise, admitting it has been tough for the Argentine signed from Stellenbosch FC at the start of the season to consistently break into the star-studded line-up.