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Rockets aiming to blow Sundowns' record out of the water

football20 May 2024 10:52| © Backpage TXT
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Rulani Mokwena © Backpage Pix

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena believes he should be coach of the season as he looks to take a step closer to making more history against TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, May 21.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current form:

The Brazilians set a new record for total points accrued (72) in a campaign when they beat Stellenbosch 1-0 in Athlone on Saturday to surpass the 71 achieved by Pitso Mosimane's title-winning team of 2015-16.

Mokwena's side also extended their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership to 52 games as they remained on course to go through an entire season without losing a single match.

However, Galaxy are one of the few clubs to have beaten them in the last two years after inflicting the first of their two defeats in the league last term before eliminating Bafana ba Style from the Carling Knockout in October 2023.

The Rockets have a chance to cement fourth place after denting Orlando Pirates' CAF Champions League hopes with a 1-0 victory in Mbombela on Saturday.

Sead Ramovic's side had already taken points off SuperSport United, Sekhukhune United, Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City this year and they're aiming to do the same against Sundowns.

Galaxy halted a four-game winless run to climb above Babina Noko in the standings and they are level with Matsatsantsa on 43 points with a game in hand.

What was said:

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena

"The coach of the season should be me - that's what I think. I think the coach of the season should be the coach who wins the league but I can't not give lots of compliments to the work that Stevie [Barker] has done at Stellenbosch.

"He deserves incredible plaudits for the work he has done there and many other colleagues [do too]. There has been very good work that has been done by someone like Jose Riveiro.

"But without sounding arrogant, the coach of the season in my opinion would be me and I have no doubts about it."

TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic

"Whatever I say, it is too low for what the praise my players deserve. What team spirit and what a season until now.

"We have two more games and we want to win them, but what an inspiration this season is for a lot of young players.

"If you come to us you will get a chance if you have a great attitude. I am the most proud coach in this league to be coaching this beautiful team."

Players to watch:

TS Galaxy - Puso Dithejane has waited patiently for his chance after joining the Mpumalanga outfit from Kaizer Chiefs in November. The 19-year-old winger made his debut against Golden Arrows in February and starred in the win over the Buccaneers last weekend, forcing Sipho Chaine into a fine save in the first half before setting up Sphiwe Mahlangu to score the winner with a brilliant run into the box on the right in the 69th minute.

Mamelodi Sundowns - Lesiba Nku has enjoyed a promising debut season at Sundowns following his arrival from Marumo Gallants in July. The 27-year-old winger was a constant thorn in Stellies' side at the weekend and capped off a superb display with the winner on 66 minutes to register his fourth goal of the campaign.

Head-to-Head: (Previous DStv Premiership Meetings)

Matches - 5

Galaxy wins - 1

Sundowns wins - 4

Draws - 0

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