Tanzania trip worthwhile

Mamelodi Sundowns returned home yesterday after their trip to Tanzania, where they played local side Azam FC as part of their mid-season preparations.

The African champions landed in Tanzania on Monday, where they were expected to face local sides Simba and Yanga. However, the duo opted to prepare for league games instead, leaving the Brazilians to face Azam.

“We want to thank the coach and Azam for giving us the opportunity to play here. As you know, we wanted to play two more games – against Simba and Yanga (Dar Young Africans), but that did not happen,” Mosimane told the club’s website.

The Absa Premiership champions – who fielded completely different line-ups in either half – failed to break through the hosts’ defence as the sides drew 0-0.

Although Mosimane’s side dominated the game, as expected, the coach rued his team’s profligacy in front of goal.

“We dominated, but domination does not mean anything if you do not put the ball in the back of the net,” said Mosimane.

The former Bafana Bafana coach added that if it were a boxing match, Downs would have walked away victorious.

“We would have won on points. We are happy, however, happy with the game. It was a good game – not easy, as Azam made it difficult for us and we could not score. We did not seriously test the goalkeeper.”