Sundowns did not show hunger – coach
THE Mamelodi Sundowns coaching triumvirate headed by Manqoba Mngqithi read the riot act at halftime after the team's "lethargic" first-half performance against Black Leopards, who managed a shock 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Sunday.
Mngqithi said it was apparent early in the match that his players were expecting an easy game against a team, who are rock bottom of the Premiership standings.
He said all around the world, bottom-of-the-log teams are known to shock log-leading sides. Throughout last week, Sundowns' players were made aware of this at training sessions.
"At halftime, we (the coaches) had a very big fight in the changeroom because it seemed by the way they were playing, the game was already won," said Mngqithi. "I was very uncomfortable when the players started relaxing and especially against a team who have a reputation for playing well on counter-attacks.
"Anything can happen once opponents get behind the defence. There can also be lapses of concentration, and then there could be trouble if opponents capitalise.
“We were also disturbed by the intensity of our game. It was not at the level that we are used to.”
Mngqithi summed up his team's performance as "lethargic" and said they were pleased they "did not lose" the match.
"We very lethargic today, and we did not show the hunger that one would have expected," said Mngqithi.
"In the first half, we created a lot of opportunities. When you don't take those chances, and against a team that sits back, you know this team will turn around and cause problems.
"If you are casual about the way you play, it is normal for a game to turn out differently.
"In the first half, we had two or three clear-cut situations and one-on-ones with the goalkeeper, but we did not get anything from that.
"The truth of the matter is that most of our players today did not look very sharp. Maybe we needed this wake-up because one realises that maybe people are getting tired.
"We have had a very long run in February or March. Maybe it will help us to come back stronger.
"I am not very excited about the performance today. We must just appreciate the fact we did not lose."
As a result of the international break, Sundowns will have a twoweek break before heading off to Sudan for a Caf Champions League match against Al-Hilal on 2 April.