Mokwena: I have to be accountable for our poor form

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Apr 18, 2023. 13:00

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena admits their recent dip in form is a wake-up call ahead of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

The Brazilians travel to Algiers for their first-leg tie against CR Belouizdad at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday on the back of a four-game winless run in all competitions.

Mokwena’s side won a record sixth consecutive DStv Premiership title last month with seven matches to spare but results have not gone their way since then.

Sundowns were held to three successive draws against Cape Town City, Swallows and Golden Arrows in the league, while their Nedbank Cup title defence came to an end at the hands of Stellenbosch in the quarter-finals last weekend.

Mokwena has taken responsibility for the club’s wavering form and is determined to get the juggernaut back up and running for of their crunch clash against the Great Chabab this weekend.

“It is a wake-up call, I don’t hide and I won’t hide,” he said. “It is in these moments where as the leadership and the coach I have to stand up and I have to be accountable.

“I am responsible for the bad results and it’s my responsibility to be in front. Especially when the team is not doing well. So, all the blame and all the responsibility falls on my head and as I have said, I am very proud of the players and what they have done this season.

“They know that and I have to say it even more now – that it doesn’t feel so good but we have to move on. The person who has to take all the responsibility is me.”