Downs’ happy players yielding results
DEATH and taxes are two of a handful of things that are guaranteed in life, but betting on Mamelodi Sundowns to win silverware in a season is becoming obvious.
In African football, that is reported to be tougher every campaign, the Brazilians have matured with the times. Their unprecedented run of silverware stretches to 11 trophies since Pitso Mosimane took over the reins in 2012.
Nobody, not even Mosimane himself, would have imagined everything getting this big. When the 56-year-old returned to Chloorkop as head coach, he found the team in the doldrums of the bottom half of the PSL standings.
Out of their depth under Johan Neeskens, Mosimane entered and turned the paupers into the real epitome of “Bafana baStyle”.
And in just four-and-a-half seasons in charge, Sundowns rose to the pinnacle of African football.
From thereon, Sundowns have never looked back as they’ve become a household name in continental football. In South Africa, their record speaks for itself as they’ve won silverware in almost every season in the last seven years.
But it was on Saturday night at Orlando Stadium that Sundowns showed their prowess over the 15 opponents in the PSL as they beat Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 to hoist the Nedbank Cup and complete a domestic treble.
This was Sundowns’ second trophy in just seven days after they won a record 10th league title in the PSL era after Kaizer Chiefs choked on the
last day of the season last weekend.
Given that they had already won the Telkom Knockout in December, the club’s 50th birthday cake had a “domestic treble” icing on top.
But how did it all get this big for Sundowns, many still ask.
Well, there’s a simple response. A happy dressing-room yields positive results.
Mosimane’s ability to crack the
whip on players that sulk and moan due to the workload, has ensured that he works with a brigade of soldiers who are willing to sweat and bleed for the Sundowns jersey.
Gone are the days when Sundowns were known as a career-ending club – with players only signed to warm the bench or kick their heels in the stands.
When you put in the effort at
training and live a healthy lifestyle, you are bound to get your chance on the pitch.
Just look at Lebohang Maboe. The former Maritzburg United man came in for a lot of criticism this season after failing to hit the back of the net, but with perseverance and backing from Mosimane he was the hero on the final day of the league season.
The new season is already here, and Sundowns have already made swift strides in ensuring that they beef up their squad – so that they can still compete week in and week out, locally and in the Caf Champions League.
But don’t expect a squad overhaul as Mosimane says he will not be rocking the boat, instead keeping the core of the team that has managed to complete a treble.