Pitso praises star player Percy Tau

Ricardo Nascimento converted a penalty in the 24th minute to ensure the Brazilians walked away with all the three points and increase their lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates to six points.

Tau caused a lot of problems for the Abafana Bes’thende defence and could have easily won another penalty for Sundowns when he was brought down in the box by Nkanyiso Mngwengwe in the 34th minute, but referee Kulasande Qongqo gave Arrows a goal kick instead.

READ: Sundowns edge closer to league title

“You must understand he [Percy Tau] came in the space of Keagan Dolly. Tiyani Mabunda came in the space of Bongani Zungu, and we’re trying to put [Gaston] Sirino in the space of Khama Billiat, and it’s not easy because we’re trying to make the team stronger because we’re going to lose these players,” Mosimane told SuperSport TV after the game.

“But what’s important is to ensure we have the backup, and it’s not always an easy task when you lose these players. How do you replace those quality [players]? It’s not easy.

“Even the Senegal coach [Aliou] Cisse likes Percy so much. The boy fights, works hard as a lone striker, which is not easy,” he added.

Sundowns will now shift their focus to Sunday’s Nedbank Cup semifinal match against Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

ALSO READ: Chiefs keen on want-away Sundowns forward