Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi is impressed with midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise’s contribution to the team.
Mkhulise, 25, was one of the scorers when the Brazilians came from behind to thrash Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 3-1 in a DStv Premiership match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday. Rivaldo Coetzee and Sibusiso Vilakazi netted Sundowns’ other goals with Thembisani Nevhulamba scoring for Vhadau Vha Damani.
“It’s encouraging to see Mkhulise growing in leaps and bounds. The boy works very hard and is strong defensively. When he scored I was very excited because I had spoken to him,” Mngqithi said.
“The boy is working hard, very focused, a good professional. You must reward such players. If a player is focused you can see he’s got bigger ambitions for the future.”
Coming to the TTM match, Mngqithi said that they knew what to expect from the Limpopo side.
“We knew we were playing against a very tough opposition. We knew they are desperate and would come to us,” he said.
“We wanted to have a good start. We were unfortunate not to get a good start. There were moments where one thought we could have got an early penalty and settle things down. Unfortunately, it did not happen. Very unfortunate to concede the goal. We had to dig deeper, started to move the ball a little bit faster.”
The log-leading and unbeaten Brazilians have collected 43 points after winning 12 matches and drawing seven times.