Rulani calls for big improvement
LORCH: FORMER PIRATES STAR JEERED IN LOFTUS DRAW
Rulani Mokwena has shared his thoughts on high profile January transfer arrivals Thembinkosi Lorch and Matias Esquivel, who both made their debut for Mamelodi Sundowns in the 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
While the Brazilians faithful tried to make him feel welcome with warm applause, Lorch was booed by Buccaneers fans every time he got on the ball.
The former Pirates midfielder only lasted an hour before being substituted by Esquivel, who joined Sundowns from Argentine top-flight side Club Atlético Lanús.
“We can all do better, starting with me the coach. Even with the new signings, they can do better,” said Mokwena who wasn’t pleased with what he saw from his team against 10-man Pirates.
“It’s difficult and I understand with Lorch. The pressure, the talks and playing his former club. All those other things don’t also help him.
“Matias Esquivel still needs to adapt to the league and the intensity of the way we want to play. So that is difficult for him, and the language doesn’t make it easier. But we can all get better and the first person who must improve is me.”
Playing without seven of his regulars, Mokwena was left unimpressed by the draw.
Sundowns were far from the high standards they’ve set against the Buccaneers, who frustrated them at Loftus Versfeld.
Marcelo Allende’s goal in the 76th minute was quickly wiped out by Thapelo Xoki from the penalty spot four minutes later.
“I didn’t like our personality, I can’t relate to it. There were not enough passes, no intensity and we were not aggressive enough in the duels,” Mokwena said about his team’s display.
“I just couldn’t relate with the personality of the team but I told them at half-time and it was a little bit better in the second-half.
Miguel Timm was sent off nine minutes into the second-half for a second bookable offence in what was an ill-tempered affair that got heated, with both sets of players constantly at each other’s throats for the majority of the game.
I don’t think that was a good game of football in my opinion.
“I think there were far too many off the ball incidents and elbows. I don’t think the referees had control of the game either.”