Notoane praises Downs’ mental strength as they clinch trophy
Mamelodi Sundowns reserve team coach David Notoane (left) said his team were worthy winners of the MultiChoice Diski Challenge title after beating Cape Town City 4-1 to lift the trophy at the Sinaba Stadium on Sunday.
Downs finished on top of the table with 34 points after 15 games, four points ahead of second-placed Bloemfontein Celtic who lost 6-3 to Baroka FC at Tsakane Stadium.
“It was a taxing season. We fought from start to finish and I am happy that we finally lifted the trophy, I think we deserve it. We played very well throughout the season and we are deserved winners,” said Notoane.
He was impressed by the performance from his players and added that they showed great mentality to beat City.
“I have to give credit to the boys. They showed great mental strength to overcome all the challenges we faced. Now they have been rewarded for their hard work. They are very excited because we will be going to the Netherlands. We are very excited about the trip.”
Meanwhile, Celtic coach Duncan Lechesa says his players’ morale went down when the Sundowns score was announced, as they needed them to lose in order to claim the trophy.
“I can’t say it’s disappointing, the boys played really well, it was one of those days ... so we really have to accept the loss today and move on. The problem was that immediately the boys heard the score being announced during half-time that Mamelodi Sundowns were leading two-nil, they went down and there was nothing I could have done about it, I am off the field and they are on it and mentally they just switched off,” said Lechesa.
“The plan is to start afresh. Thank you to all the supporters who supported the Diski Challenge and thank you to those who came to support us.”
In other games, Maritzburg United beat Free State Stars 4-1, Orlando Pirates smashed Platinum Stars 4-1, Highlands Park beat Bidvest Wits 5-2, Ajax Cape Town won 3-0 against Polokwane City while last season’s champions Golden Arrows ended their league campaign with a disappointing 4-1 loss to Chippa United.