Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has identified two players that he believes were sorely missed in their 2-2 draw with Maniema Union in CAF Champions League action.
Sundowns were pegged back twice by the Congolese outfit and only come away with a point despite dominating the encounter.
The Brazilians were untypically sloppy in defence and Mokwena bemoaned the absence of defender Grant Kekana and midfielder Lebohang Maboe, both of whom he says are very important to their defensive structure.
Maboe is expected to miss the entire season after having undergone surgery for a serious knee injury picked up in August, while Mokwena did not elaborate on Kekana’s unavailability.
“Of course, we miss Lebo,” Mokwena said following the match.
“Everybody knows the impact Lebo gives and the energy that he brings in the midfield, particularly in games of this nature in the Champions League where we need a little more legs to close down spaces and where we play against very robust and energetic opposition.
“You need very good counter-pressing and the ability to get an extra man from midfield into the attacking third, and normally Lebo gives us that so we are missing him there.
“We’ve got a slight situation with Grant Kekana. He’s been very important for us this season and one of the players who have helped us retain clean sheets within the defensive lines, so we missed him today.”
