Pisto’s plans for Africa
BACK IN 2016 when Mamelodi Sundowns won the Caf Champioms League, they had gone into the competition with the instruction from their coach Pitso Mosimane to “go and have fun”.
As they, along with Orlando Pirates, await today’s draw for the group stage of the continent’s premier club knockout competition, the Brazilians are enjoying a similar “freedom” with Mosimane saying there is no pressure on his team.
Kaizer Chiefs will also find out which team, that was knocked out of the Champions League, they will face in the play-offs of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Sundowns’ outlook on the competition this time around is a far cry from last year’s tournament when they, as champions, felt the need to prove they were worthy of the crown.
Looking at the current make-up of his team that has a few newbies, Mosimane sees this year’s campaign as an opportunity to build for the future.
“It’s important (to be in the group stage) for players like Phakamani (Mahlambi) and Lebohang Maboe,” Mosimane said.
“It’s also important because we are a team in construction. The best thing when you’re building is to let them play in the Champions League. Let them get experience and know what’s happening. The six games in the group will prepare them for next year. This year, let’s be honest, we are just busy building the team and trying to find the right combinations.”
The country’s big three – Sundowns, Pirates and Amakhosi – have a lot of domestic baggage that will drive them in their continental pursuits. The Brazilians are in a rebuilding phase. The Buccaneers have to deliver on the promise they raised last season with their meteoric rise from the ashes. Amakhosi have to give their fans something to celebrate after three barren seasons.
A good run in the continent will strengthen the players’ mental resolve in a gruelling campaign that tests not only your tactical acumen but also your mental strength.
The Champions League will add extra spice to the rivalry between Pirates and Sundowns as they’ll have similar challenges in their quest to do well in the continent and claim top honours in the domestic league.
Both teams are in a transition of sorts. Pirates are looking to infuse a winning mentality, to build on their good run in the last campaign. The Brazilians are looking to find the right combinations that will help them retain the Absa Premiership. Even though they aren’t at their peak, they have been competitive in the league.
“When are you in a team that’s under construction, you don’t have to lose and then make excuses that you aren’t gelling,” Mosimane said. “No, we aren’t gelling, but we have a good team. The players are there. We aren’t struggling with players. We are struggling with finding the right combinations…With injuries and a lots of games, the team changes every time. We’ll get there. I haven’t found the way I want the team to play. But it’s getting there.”
Do not, however, be surprised to see Sundowns going all the way.
After all they did win the Champions League in 2016 with the mandate of having fun and preparing for the next year, after they were eliminated in the qualifying rounds. They were then reinstated in place of AS Vita who were kicked out for fielding an ineligible player.