Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena says the long break during the Africa Cup of Nations has helped the team quite a bit.
A second-half hat-trick by Lucas Ribeiro Costa handed the Brazilians their first victory in four matches in the DStv Premiership but they still managed to extend their lead at the top of the table to 12 points.
Mokwena says he's happy they remained patient after heading to the halftime break deadlocked.
READ | Clinical Ribeiro sends Downs 12 points clear
"Let's congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns, congratulate the fans, a great turnout for a Tuesday fixture and congratulate the football club, everybody, the players, the technical team, great performance," Mokwena told SuperSport TV.
"First-half I thought we played very well, I thought the performance was just missing a goal. We created a lot of chances also, the build-ups were good, we had a good occupation of the pitch and we were very patient, I like that.
"I like it when we're patient and we don't rush things but closer to the box you need another touch, especially when they go man-marking you know. But the second-half we improved a little bit, receiving the balls in the pockets, influencing the game a little bit closer to the box," he said.
"Good counter-pressing to re-generate chances and so a great effort from the players, very proud of them. I love this team and this group of players has a very special place in my heart. So congratulations to the team, to the players and everybody at the football club."
Mokwena went on and suggested that Africa Cup of Nations break helped him to develop other players further, especially emotionally and make them belong to the entire group.
"We tried to train the team not for the group, we tried to train for the entire team, so you've got principles that we try to work on and I think also the break helped us a bit, because during the FIFA break we got some time to work on Zuko (Mdunyelwa), (Bathusi) Aubaas, Sipho (Mbule), Lebo (Maboe) and so many of the other players that needed a little bit more support also, emotional support and confidence you know," he went on.
"And an understanding that they are good enough to play for this team but at the end it's about brotherhood, they've got a very great team spirit, they love each other, they support each other and this is what happens.
"But still a long to go isn't it?" he asked.
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