Head coach Rulani Mokwena has heaped praise on midfielder Marcelo Allende after his industrious performance in Mamelodi Sundowns' 1-0 MTN8 quarter-final victory over Moroka Swallows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
Sundowns advanced secured a spot in the semi-finals of the the MTN8 with a narrow 1-0 win over the Dube Birds at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
READ | Komphela addresses Jali sending off
Although the match-winning goal came from captain Themba Zwane, Mokwena believes the victory was also partly credit to Allende's orchestration in the middle of the park.
"Marcelo [Allende] makes others look good, he really makes the team look good," Mokwena said.
"I'm so proud of the performances of Tebza (Teboho Mokoena) and I'm so proud of the performances of Aubrey [Modiba] but if you watch a little bit closely, Marcelo makes them also look very good.
"He makes the ball move faster, he arrives in the spaces faster, he drags opponents out of position with not just second but third movements.
Mpontshane ??????Allende almost caught him out there.?? Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/Tg69y0EeUL pic.twitter.com/DwiQdXN0P2
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) December 30, 2022
"I'm not surprised he flirted with the European space like Arsenal, and Arsenal is really the top tier in Europe. We are very privileged at the club to have a footballer like Marcelo.
"As I've said or compared with Lucas, Marcelo is a ceiling raiser you know, in a basketball team that's what you call these types of players.
"They make you not just play better but they also make you function better with the dynamics and the remove all the lot of problems on the pitch with their presence.
"But of course also we have other intelligent footballers around him so it's iron sharpening iron you know. He's surrounded by such good players."
The Brazilians have been drawn against Kaizer Chiefs in a tantilising semi-final clash that promises to be a fierce battle for a place in the prestigious final.
Sundowns next will contest a DStv Premiership clash where they face Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Kick-off is at 17:00.
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!