Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena lauded his side for displaying good football and confidence when they defeated NB La Masia in a 6-1 contest at the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday.

The breakthrough for the visitors came in the 18th minute through Gaston Sirino, who scored a brace before the half time break. Two more goals from Matias Esquivel and Terrence Mashego saw Downs heading to the half time break with a 4-1 lead. It was the second half goals from Sirino, who was named man of the match, and Lebohang Maboe that confirmed a lopsided win for the Brazilians.

“Congratulations to the team, we had a good performance. I thought we started a little bit shaky. It was difficult because we were playing against a team that has nothing to lose and with a lot of confidence. We settled and once we got onto the ball and we adapted to the pitch we were much better. I liked the personality of the team today. Good intensity, aggression and bravery,” said Mokwena.

He added: “I would also like to give big compliments to Daine Klate and his technical team because I think they have got an incredible team and it’s a little bit emotional for me to see this team because I’ve seen it from their lowest point to where they are now. I wish them all the best for the remainder of the season.”

The Brazilians will shift their focus to continental duties when they travel to Mauritania to face FC Nouadhibou in the CAF Champions League over the weekend.