NEWS: ‘It’s never been done in SA before’ – Rulani Mokwena frustrated as Mamelodi Sundowns fall short of ‘invincible’ tag

Despite this setback, head coach Rulani Mokwena emphasised that the team must aim to surpass their achievements next season.

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Crowned champions at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Sundowns saw their unbeaten league streak snapped by a Jaedin Rhodes goal. Reflecting on the season, Mokwena acknowledged the challenge of maintaining such high standards.

“Unfortunately, that’s where the bar is set. The bar is set from what it has been this season and next campaign, we can’t do anything less and it’s going to be difficult,” Mokwena told the media during the post-match press conference.

“Heavy is the head that carries the crown. You get blessed with raising the level and trying to get better and better. But at the same time, the responsibility that comes with that is even greater.”

Mokwena praised his players for their efforts and acknowledged the difficulty of an unbeaten season. “It’s never been done in SA before. When you get into the last match, you start smelling it and start thinking about it and you pre-empt that there is that possibility,” he said.

“You have to accept that some of these things are through God’s divine plans and you have to accept. I said to the players, even in the changing room after the game, that they were angry and that they shouldn’t forget that winning and losing are both impostors and you must treat them the same.”

Despite the loss, Mokwena remains proud of his team’s accomplishments. “I’m very proud that we managed to deliver the most iconic league.

“They were the first group to win seven league trophies in a row and it will never be done ever again. This group needs to be applauded, praised and celebrated for rewriting history.”

Looking ahead, Sundowns will now focus on the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday. Mokwena and his squad are determined to end the season on a high note with a cup victory.

The upcoming season poses a new set of challenges for Sundowns, who aim to surpass their current record of 72 points. The expectations are high, but the team is ready to face them head-on, driven by their recent successes and the motivation to continue making history.