Port Elizabeth - Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele said his team-mates had to dig deep in order to grab maximum points against the stubborn Chippa United.
The Brazilians defeated the Chilli Boys 1-0 in an Absa Premiership clash played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium courtesy of Anthony Laffor second-half strike.
The 25-year-old skipper said that they were fully aware of the threat the Chilli Boys pose but credited his team-mates for rising to the occasion to claim their much needed triumph on the night.
“It was a very tough game for us to be honest,” said Mphahlele.
“We were playing against a very stubborn side; they are a tough team to play against especially when they are playing at home.
“We knew that we had to work very hard against them but we also knew that the longer the game goes we’ll have to score.
“Not all games will be smooth where we’ll be able to pass the ball around.
“Some games will be like this where you will have to defend and do all the duties as a team.
“Anyway football is a collective sport and we win, draw and lose together as a team.
“Otherwise, we are grateful for the three points.”
Victory for the Brazilians took them to the top of the table; leading second placed Bidvest Wits by a superior goal difference.
They will switch their focus to the Telkom Knockout semi-final clash against their Pretoria rivals SuperSport United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, November 7.
Kick-off is at 20:15.