Rulani shocked by Nedbank Cup final defeat to Bucs

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 01: Rhulani Mokwena of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Nedbank Cup, Final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium on June 01, 2024 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images)

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena says he is not sure how his team lost to Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final.

Pirates have won back-to-back Nedbank Cup titles after coming from behind to lose to Sundowns 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.

The match was seemingly heading for extra time until substitute Relebohile Mofokeng snatched the winner in the 93rd minute.

Read: Super Sub Mofokeng seals Nedbank Cup for Pirates

“I said I don’t know what happened, I honestly don’t know what happened, football can be very cruel, can’t it? I mean, we miss a penalty, they get a penalty, they score, they equalize,” Mokwena said. SuperSport.

“We dominated the game, I mean, then there’s that free kick. I don’t even think it should happen like that, but hey, that’s what cup finals are for, so congratulations to the Pirates, we take the lesson and move on.”

The Brazilian coach also opened up on Khuliso Mudau due to a shoulder injury he picked up in the first half.

“Well, it’s wear and tear, it’s been a long season, a lot of games but hey… I mean, I honestly don’t know how we lost that game and I don’t want to use injuries as an excuse, because we should have won the match. Only one team on the field but anyway, it’s football, isn’t it?

“He (Costa) is injured, he’s slammed, ‘Sailor’ (Mudau) was slammed but anyway, congratulations to Pirates, it’s football.”

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