{
  "id": 17041379,
  "title": "Mvala admits Sundowns still have room for improvement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/mvala-admits-sundowns-still-have-room-for-improvement",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T09:40:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/mvala-admits-sundowns-still-have-room-for-improvement/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mothobi Mvala, the Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, has acknowledged that his team still has room for improvement as they prepare to face Durban City in a Betway Premiership fixture at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday night. Sundowns entered the match on the back of a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, securing their place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals following their elimination from the CAF Champions League. The Brazilian coach returned to the starting lineup after an injury-related absence, playing alongside a rotated squad led by head coach Miguel Cardoso.\n\nMvala emphasized the significance of the victory, stating, \"We needed to win the game. It feels great that we won and it was an important game for us as a team after being eliminated in the CAF Champions League.\" The experienced centre-back recognized the importance of winning the hearts of supporters who had been disappointed by the previous loss to Gallants.\n\nDespite Sundowns' progress to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, City has struggled for consistency in domestic competitions. Eric Tinkler's side currently has five matches without a win across all competitions. Mvala hopes Sundowns can make a positive start against the KwaZulu-Natal outfit, noting that their recent display against Gallants was marred by mistakes and a lack of confidence. However, he believes the team will correct its performance after the match. Sundowns have won three consecutive league games and are expected to claim all three points at Rustenburg, with kick-off scheduled for 20:15.",
  "summary": "'It feels great that we won and it was an important game for us as a team after being eliminated in the CAF Champions League,' said Mvala.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mamelodi Sundowns coach acknowledges team still has room for improvement.",
    "Sundowns defeated Marumo Gallants 1-0, securing spot in Carling Knockout quarter-finals.",
    "Durban City has struggled for consistency in domestic competitions with 5 matches without a win."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}