History beckons for Downs
SIBUSISO Vilakazi’s move to Mamelodi Sundowns was not only motivated by the desire to win titles but to also put himself in a better financial position to take care of his family.
Vilakazi, 26, never won a trophy during his seven seasons with Wits. The Clever Boys won the Nedbank Cup in 2010 during his first season with the club, but the So we to born midfielder didn’t play a single minute during the tournament. And now comes a move to the reigning PSL champions and Vilakazi feels the time has come for him to win silverware.
“Sundowns is a championship [winning] team and that’s where you want to be. The level of pressure as well, I mean it improves your game and you are out of your comfort zone,” he said during his unveiling at the Downs headquarters in Chloorkop yesterday. “So for me, [the offer] was very attracting and obviously I have to look after my family, that’s true.”
Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said he signed Vilakazi as well as Lucky Mohomi from Free State Stars because both players have demonstrated that they can handle the pressure.
“I’m not saying the others [Wits players] didn’t play. Vilakazi kept us going and we thought we can increase the gap between us and Wits, but he scored against Super Sport and Aces away, so that’s the boy I thought, ‘oh, from the bench sitting there but coming in to play and produce’, that’s the right mentality.”
However, Vilakazi and Mohomi will not be available for Sundowns’ CAF Champions League match against Zamalek at Lucas Moripe Stadium tomorrow (7.30pm).
Vilakazi won’t be registered for the CAF competition because he is cup-tied from his time with Wits in the Confederation Cup earlier this year. Mohomi can still be considered for the four slots open until August 10.
Sundowns’ newly acquired centre-back Ricardo Nascimento is expected to be available for tomorrow’s clash against Zamalek.
The Brazilians will face the Egyptians without Wayne Arendse, who is suspended after he received two yellow cards in the competition, including in the 2-1 win over Zamalek in Cairo on July 17.
“Ricardo’s [police] clearance number came through [to facilitate his work permit]. We want him to at least sit on the bench for Wednesday’s [tomorrow’s] game,” Mosimane said. Nascimento was excused from the club’s press conference yesterday when they unveiled their new signings as he had to go to Home Affairs to finalise his work permit.
Midfielder Keagan Dolly will also be available for the match after he was given permission by the SA Under-23 side that travelled to Brazil for the Olympic Games. Downs can become the first team to advance to the semifinals of Champions League with a win over Zamalek.