Old guard gets the job done for champions Sundowns

IT’S not often that football’s forgotten men come out from the cold to win you silverware.

But there is reason to argue that Mamelodi Sundowns owe their Absa Premiership title success to many of their unsung heroes.

The money the Brazilians spent to bring in reinforcements at the start of the season has brought back the glory days. However, the long-standing members completed the mission.

One of them is Lebohang Mokoena, who will recognise his championship medal at the club as his first in top-flight football, despite a cameo role for his former side, Orlando Pirates, during their 2002-2003 Premier League-winning campaign when he was just 16 years old.

“I was still so young then, but Roy Barreto gave me a run in the last game of the season, against African Warriors. This will be the first league medal I have played for,” said Mokoena, who returned from a hip injury in February after 12 months on the sidelines to help Sundowns end their six-year trophy drought.

“I am happy to have come in

Surprise Moriri and Anthony Laffor were given minimal roles until the second half of the season

and contributed. My injury really was career-threatening and, in the past, I have blamed myself when the team wasn’t winning, to say that maybe my injuries affected the team.

“But I have been patient and never gave up.”

It was “Cheeseboy”, as Mokoena is better known in football circles, and Surprise Moriri, as well as Anthony Laffor, who spearheaded Sundowns’ title challenge when their hopes seemed to be fading with Kaizer Chiefs 11 points clear at the top halfway through the season.

The trio have a lot in common.

When they were signed — by different coaches, for different reasons but similar ambitions — their arrivals were never played down, given their ability.

However, while Mokoena pushed for a speedy recovery, Moriri and Laffor were given minimal roles until the second half of the season.

“You know, myself, Surprise and Anthony never complained,” said Mokoena. “We knew the team would need us at some point, although it is never nice when you are on the sidelines. The coach always told us to be ready and prepared, but it was never easy.

“It was also a challenge that I accepted to fight for my place against talented players in the team. I was always there, helping out the young players that had just arrived, and I never worried about competition.

“I have played in the same position with great players like Steve Lekoelea, Jabu [Pule] Mahlangu and the late Gift Leremi, and I know that competition is everywhere. So it was never about giving up,” said Mokoena.