Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane says he is pleased with how the team played against Spanish La Liga Champions Barcelona. Sundowns lost 3-1 to Barcelona in the Nelson Mandela challenge clash at the FNB stadium on Wednesday.
“Let’s be honest if you look at the three goals, we gave them the two, mistakes from the back but I encouraged them to play from the back because that is what we do all the time. We should see if we can play from the back against the best. We can do better but my boys tried. It is a learning curve, it prepares us for the next game of Champion’s League, to get organised, this is a good game and it is beautiful.”
Sundowns mildfileder Sibusiso Vilakzi says the there are lessons to be taken from the game.
“ You saw the class of this Barcelona team, perfection with the passes, the goals that they scored. They were world class but obviously at the end of the day you just have to enjoy the game, take the lessons. Obviously we were playing with a top side, but most importantly we have to enjoy the moment. It was a special moment, playing with the idols we look up to.”
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde says they enjoyed playing against the South African Premier Soccer League Champions.
“I am very happy to have played in the Mandela challenge, to honour Madiba. I am happy with how the players played and handled themselves. The atmosphere was fantastic from the first whistle people came out to have fun and the roof was raised when Lionel came on.”
Click below for the match:
