Marumo not sure of Downs’ recruits
CAF elimination ‘hurt’ but ex-striker expects them to win the league
Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Hareaipha “Simba” Marumo has expressed doubt that the new signings at Chloorkop have the dynamism to take the team to the next level.
The departure of Keagan Dolly, the injury struggles of Anthony Laffor and Tiyani Mabunda, the inconsistencies of Khama Billiat and poor form of Leonardo Castro, make the current team vastly different from the one that conquered Africa this time last year.
The team has been playing with a newlook line-up this season after adding Oupa Manyisa and George Lebese – undoubtedly their two biggest high profile acquisitions in the last transfer window.
“I am not sure if the new recruits can take them higher. The standard they set last year was so high that I am not sure they can take it forward,” Marumo said.
“I still have to see how the new-look side will fare. I am not sure they will reach the same level, but I personally hope they can do it.”
It was October 23 last year when Sundowns were crowned champions of Africa after a 3-1 aggregate win over Egypt’s Zamalek in the final.
Marumo – a CAF Champions League silver-medallist with Sundowns in 2001 – expects coach Pitso Mosimane to revert to lining up Mabunda in midfield and Laffor in wide attack when they return from injury.
Despite him not being convinced of the new players, Marumo believes there is currently no team that has the quality to beat Sundowns to the league title.
“It was disappointing because I expected them to go far. They have to bounce back in terms of picking themselves up after their elimination,” he continued.
“I expect them to do a lot better domestically. It is a scar they will feel for a long time this season. If anything, they will feel pressure in all their PSL games but I expect them to do well in the league.”