Mokwena praises his Sundowns soldiers in Bafana squad

As Bafana Bafana are back from Afcon on Wednesday morning, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena praises his soldiers.

Mokwena praises his players, saying his Sundowns soldiers carried the South African flag with pride as they helped Bafana in Ivory Coast.

ALSO READ I Bafana’s midfield maestro Sithole opens up on potential move

Mokwena mentions Sundowns soldiers such as Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Speaking to Radio 2000, Mokwena says the debate on who deserved the PSL Footballer of the Season Award last year must be closed, he refers to Sundowns star Mokoena.

This comes as the nippy Sundowns star was one of the stand-out performers of the tournament as he helped Bafana to a bronze medal for the first time in 24 years.

ALSO READ I Delighted Sundowns boss reviews Bafana’s Afcon run

MOKWENA: WHY SUNDOWNS STARS WERE STANDOUT PERFORMERS FOR BAFANA

Looking at Williams, the Sundowns keeper clinched five clean sheets out of seven games thus also bagging the Afcon Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award.

“I think now we can close the debate on why Tebza (Teboho Mokoena) was player of the season. After his performances at AFCON, that debate can now be closed,” Mokwena praises Sundowns soldiers on Radio 2000.

ALSO READ I Sundowns skipper Mshishi close to sealing a new deal

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena praises his soldiers who represented Bafana Bafana. Image: (@BafanaBafana/Facebook)

“I mean consistently, he (Mokoena) was probably our best performer at every single match. Mshishi (Themba Zwane) showed why he earned himself a place in the national team.

“He deserved it because he’s probably one of our best players and that’s why he’s captain at Sundowns.

“He showed through his contribution to our attack. His two goals show that he still has something to offer.

“Williams was also exceptional, with five clean sheets and three goals conceded against some very good teams that had some very good strikers.

ALSO READ I Why Bvuma didn’t seek help due to lack of game time

“He was exceptional. Aubrey Modiba was interesting, he played the old role we know him at even though we play him in a different role this season but it was interesting to see how he did against some very good wingers.”

SUNDOWNS BOSS HAPPY WITH BAFANA DEFENDERS KEKANA AND MVALA

In addition, the 37-year-old Sundowns mentor also heaped praise on his defenders such as Mvala and Kekana who did well for Bafana.

“Sailor (Khuliso Mudau) was exceptional, the game against Nigeria was his best game. (Terence) Mashego and (Thapelo) Maseko made some very important appearances,” added the Sundowns coach about his Bafana soldiers.

ALSO READ I Bafana players attract interest – coach Broos confirms

“Then you had Grant (Kekana) and (Mothobi) Mvala who were exceptional. Thapelo Morena answered the question of someone asking me if I see Thapelo as a right back and I said no.

“When I close my eyes and imagine my team, he’s in a more advanced position.”

ALSO READ I Bafana hitman Makgopa hits back at unfair criticism

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY PHUMZILE NGCATSHE