Mamelodi Sundowns utility man Aubrey Modiba admits he initially didn’t quite grasp the role head coach Rulani Mokwena set out for him as he discussed the criticism against him this season.
Modiba, who’s starred as a left-wing, right-wing, left-back, and even as a right-back at one point has been fielded in an inverted full-back role this campaign under Mokwena where he occupies a role in midfield whilst in possession and starts most of their attacks.
However, the role has seen him susceptible to losing possession in key areas, when Sundowns have been punished, and his every move has now come under the microscope, especially from a defensive aspect of the game.
“Coach always said we must trust the process, when we started pre-season in Rustenberg, the coach told us, this is how we’re going to play, he wants us to play this way and we knew why he wanted to play like this,” Modiba explained.
“He always has a purpose, but when we started I didn’t understand the role much, sometimes I would do what he wants me to do and sometimes I will forget but he kept reminding me and pushing me, motivating me to be in this position.
“He knew what he wanted out of the team, so yeah, when we started, we went through the sessions and everything and started coming alright, we started understanding one another, where to go etc.”
The former SuperSport United star went on to state he’s experienced enough to block out the white noise from social media and even at times, the stands, as he continues to form a vital part of Mokwena’s starting line-up this season.
“There’s going to be mistakes and criticism. As a player I don’t focus too much on criticism because I think I’ve played in the PSL for so long and we know these things happen, people will say things,” Modiba continued.
“If you dwell on things, it will impact you in the next game, so when I have bad moments, he always calls us into his office, what do you think, how are you feeling about the situation and we always have that conversation and it helps us to be able to put it behind us and focus on the next [game].
“It’s not about me, it’s about the team, about how we can create chances and win games.”
The 27-year-old has featured 33 times for Masandawana this season, scoring two goals and registering five assists across all competitions.
