Rulani Mokwena on PSL record – this is a front-page story

Breaking Kaizer Chiefs’ 18-year record of the longest unbeaten streak in the DStv Premiership is something Rulani Mokwena doesn’t take lightly.

Following Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium, the Brazilians set new milestone of 32 games unbeaten in the league.

The previous record of 31 matches was held by Amakhosi from 2005. In their run to setting a new record, Sundowns notched up 26 wins and six draws.

Mokwena is usually reserved and steers away from taking credit. However, the 36-year-old record-breaker wants his players to be given their flowers for setting a new benchmark in the PSL.

“I’m super proud, unfortunately I’m the type of person not to celebrate too much because there’s an important game at the weekend,” he said.

“I’m super proud because the record that you speak about has been standing for nearly 20 years. And it was a super team that had that record. It’s unbelievable because I speak about this group not getting enough plaudits and not getting enough praise. 

“Tomorrow, all the newspapers should have the ‘record-breaking’ (headline) and not at the back, it’s not a back-page story, it’s a front-page story. Their (players) pictures as a group is a front-page story because they deserve it.”

Since Mokwena became a solo head coach last season, the defending champions have not lost a league game.

Waxing Lyrical

The former Orlando Pirates coach couldn’t stop waxing lyrical about his galaxy of stars who have now won eight of their opening matches in the new season.

“They are relentless, focused and persevere. These are the traits of  championship-winning teams,” he said.

“What they have demonstrated is incredible while still trying to play the right way and that’s the way we think football should be played. So a massive congratulations, we try to do things that will echo in eternity.

“I’ve said it before that I don’t think we are appreciated enough and honestly I don’t look for appreciation anymore because I don’t get it so I don’t look for it anymore because it’s part of a selfless nature of a leader.”

Masandawana’s next assignment is in the CAF Champions League. They play Bumamuru in the return leg of preliminary second round after crushing the Burundian side 4-0 in the first leg.