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Durban - Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell has lauded the standard of South African soccer after their match against SuperSport United.
According to Football411's webite, Rodwell was amazed at the level SuperSport United were playing at after they beat the English Premiership runners-up 2-0 in Pretoria on Saturday.
"They are a good side; we were really impressed by them.
"That's what we are here to do, we are here to play good opponents but it wasn't the best result for us," Rodwell said.
Rodwell is no stranger to the flair South African soccer players possess after playing alongside former Bafana Bafana captain, Steven Pienaar at Everton before he joined City at the beginning of the 2012/13 season.
"I have known him (Pienaar) for a while now.
"He's a great guy and a terrific footballer. I can only say positive things about him - he's a great player," said Rodwell.
Rodwell says that City's preparations and stay in the country was exactly what the team needed.
"It's been brilliant.
"Everything we needed has been spot on to be honest.
"We've done a lot of running and a lot of gym work which is great.
"That's what we are here to do to get fit and it's been perfect so far," he added.
The 22-year-old backed his club's chances at wrestling the Premiership title back from their city rivals, Manchester United.
"I am optimistic; we've added a few players and maybe a few more.
"It's exciting times, we need to go one better than last year so hopefully this is our year."
Rodwell added that although the reason they are in the country is to celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela, he admits that he is concerned at the condition the former South African president's health is in.
"Our thoughts are with him.
"It's obviously a difficult time.
"He is such a legend and we are proud to play on such a great day," Rodwell concluded.
Manchester City take on AmaZulu in their second and final match of their South African tour.
Kick-off for the match at Moses Mabhida is at 20:00.
According to Football411's webite, Rodwell was amazed at the level SuperSport United were playing at after they beat the English Premiership runners-up 2-0 in Pretoria on Saturday.
"They are a good side; we were really impressed by them.
"That's what we are here to do, we are here to play good opponents but it wasn't the best result for us," Rodwell said.
Rodwell is no stranger to the flair South African soccer players possess after playing alongside former Bafana Bafana captain, Steven Pienaar at Everton before he joined City at the beginning of the 2012/13 season.
"I have known him (Pienaar) for a while now.
"He's a great guy and a terrific footballer. I can only say positive things about him - he's a great player," said Rodwell.
Rodwell says that City's preparations and stay in the country was exactly what the team needed.
"It's been brilliant.
"Everything we needed has been spot on to be honest.
"We've done a lot of running and a lot of gym work which is great.
"That's what we are here to do to get fit and it's been perfect so far," he added.
The 22-year-old backed his club's chances at wrestling the Premiership title back from their city rivals, Manchester United.
"I am optimistic; we've added a few players and maybe a few more.
"It's exciting times, we need to go one better than last year so hopefully this is our year."
Rodwell added that although the reason they are in the country is to celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela, he admits that he is concerned at the condition the former South African president's health is in.
"Our thoughts are with him.
"It's obviously a difficult time.
"He is such a legend and we are proud to play on such a great day," Rodwell concluded.
Manchester City take on AmaZulu in their second and final match of their South African tour.
Kick-off for the match at Moses Mabhida is at 20:00.
