Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi lamented Winelands wind and the absence of instrumental left-winger Neo Maema in the 1-1 stalemate against Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium at the weekend.
The 26-year-old was injured and Mngqithi conceded they missed him. He added that the wind made it difficult for them to play a flowing game.
Lyle Lakay cancelled out Junior Mendieta’s strike from the spot to make it 1-all.
“Now that we’ve not won the match, we would say we miss him [Maema]. He’s a very important player for our team. But the boys that were given a chance, I think they also did well. The truth of the matter is that Maema has settled in very well and he’s given us a lot of assists and goals [he’s netted three times and assisted in four occasions in the league so far],” said Mngqithi.
“It was unfortunate for him to get an injury. Unfortunately the conditions were bad. The wind was too much and it made the game not to flow the way we would have wanted.”
Mngqithi also felt his attackers weren’t as clinical, highlighting the chances Thabiso Kutumela and Peter Shalulile missed could have helped the situation. The Brazilians coach had also expected his players to defend better to thwart Stellies’ attacks on the break.
“We’ve always known it was not going to be an easy match. Stellenbosch always give us a tough time but we got very good chances in the first half, which I think we could have capitalised on. Kutumela was very clear. I think Peter could have also done something.
“They got a break, which I think we should have dealt with early enough before the ball even arrived in the box.”
Sundowns are hoping to return to winning ways when they host Royal AM at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday (3.30pm).
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