Head coach Rulani Mokwena hailed his Mamelodi Sundowns side's efforts as the defending champions extended their perfect start to the DStv Premiership season with a 2-0 win over Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.
The versatile Aubrey Modiba opened the scoring for Sundowns in the 36th minute before a Justice Chabalala own goal in quick succession secured a vital win.
READ | Downs brush Chippa aside to maintain perfect start
The outspoken Chippa head coach Morgan Mammila claimed that his side had given the Brazilians a hard time despite the scoreline.
Mokwena though was emphatic in his praise of his players with a formidable Sundowns side registering four wins from their four opening matches.
"We responded very well to the game against a difficult opponent who respond for sure and try to be a bit more aggressive," Mokwena told the Sundowns website.
"You can see with the substitutes immediately at half time which we anticipated because the last time they were 1-0 down at half time they made three subs.
"We anticipated that they could look onto the bench and we preempted it and prepared for that, which is important because we do a lot of work and that's why I say coaching is not a talk show there's a lot of work that goes in behind the scenes.
Sundowns dominated the ball with a massive 68% of possession as Mokwena highlighted his team's determination to control proceedings.
"The championship mentality is how do you preserve the 2-0," Mokwena added.
"Teams have come here and scored first with Chippa coming back. Chippa don't die so we had to manage that and play very smart.
"My players need a lot of praise for the second half performance, it was top level. We don't have to make the box entries when you're leading 2-0, we played with a lot more control in the second half, we tried to minimise counter attacks.
"We just want to thank the fans for their support, we play for them and they are the spiritual owners of of this football club.
"Without their energy, especially in this moment where we are a little bit struggling for legs and we are trying to manage the games, manage the training, manage rest and recovery so it becomes very, very difficult but the players respond to their energy.
"They give us incredible motivation and drive and we just want to thank them for loving us the way they love us and supporting us the way they support us."
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