Rulani Mokwena has confessed time and time again that he is obsessed with the game of football, revealing that he has close to little time for anything else.
The Mamelodi Sundowns mentor’s extensive attention to detail, as he hardly leaves a stone unturned when preparing for any opponents, will only rub off on his players.
Terrence Mashego is one such player as the soft-spoken defender joined Downs in September 2022 from Cape Town City, and he has gone on to become part of the national team set-up.
Even though Mashego was not heavily involved in Sundowns’ games in the months preceding the Afcon, Hugo Broos still gave him the nod as one of the best left-backs in the country.
“When I came to Sundowns, my love for football is now at a different level. Working with coach Rulani has improved me as a player because where I was, in terms of corrections and watching the game, it was not like that,” said Mashego.
“When I came to Sundowns, the coach has been by my side. He calls me in the evenings and talks about the game and when we come back he will call me to a one-on-one meeting to discuss my game.
“I remember one time we had a one-on-one meeting and he made an example with a water bottle, saying my talent is here (half full), and he needs to add more.
“It is important for me to grow and since I came to Sundowns, the level of my performance has increased. Playing in the Caf Champions League and in the Africa Cup of Nations has also helped me and I am now more confident,” he added.
Since arriving at Chloorkop, Mashego has bagged two league crowns, the African Football League, and is now he now stands a chance to win a second Nedbank Cup title.
Downs will face defending champions Orlando Pirates at the Mbombela Stadium on June 1, where Mashego will aim to add to the 2018/19 trophy he won with TS Galaxy.
However, the 25-year-old is yet to establish himself as a regular starter at Downs as Mokwena usually prefers Divine Lunga, Thapelo Maseko and Aubrey Modiba on the left side of defence.
Mashego missed Sundowns’ last two games but played back-to-back games against Kaizer Chiefs and The Rockets.
He is likely to be available for selection when the DStv Premiership champions host John Maduka’s Royal AM this Saturday.
