Mamelodi Sundowns star Junior Mendieta has received special praise from coach Rulani Mokwena after the player’s heroic display against Richards Bay FC.
Mendieta scored his second goal as a Sundowns player during the side’s 1-0 win over the Natal Rich Boyz in a DStv Premiership match at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Also, his first goal in Sundowns colours was against Richards Bay in the league’s early stages.
The Argentinean forward joined the star-studded Sundowns at the beginning of the season from Stellenbosch FC where he had spent two years.
His adaptation to the Premier Soccer League giants has not been easy as he has been mostly used as an impact player by Mokwena.
The 30-year-old comes from Stellies where he was one of the regular starters and the go-to guy for goals.
Mendieta made his 11th appearance in the league this season after being introduced in the second half of the clash against the men from KwaZulu-Natal.
The player’s resilience has impressed Mokwena who reckons a lot of athletes can learn a valuable lesson from the Argentinean.
“I’m happy for Mendieta, to be honest, and I very seldom mention individuals, but he deserves special mention because his attitude has been very good,” Mokwena said after the game.
“The adaptation, the language and the injuries (have been difficult for him) but he gives me no problems. He fights, he trains well, and he has such a good attitude.
“That’s a good lesson for a lot of players out there, that the talking must be done on the pitch and that when you fight and keep on working you’ve got a good chance. The universe supports you, so it was good to see the support of the universe on Mendieta,” the coach said.
With Sundowns having virtually wrapped up the Premiership race, Mendieta looks set to win his first league title.
He has already achieved a piece of silverware with Masandawana as he won the inaugural African Football League early into the season.
Sundowns are still in the running for the Caf Champions League and Nedbank Cup this season.
Mokwena’s charges host Young Africans of Tanzania in the Champions League quarterfinal in the second leg tie at Loftus Stadium on Friday at 20:00.
The first leg ended in a goalless draw in Tanzania at the weekend.
Rulani Mokwena reflects on their 1-0 DStv Premiership win over struggling Richards Bay. pic.twitter.com/U9Thdawl6X
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) April 2, 2024
