DSTV Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns are expecting a challenging first week of football when the team resumes yet another defence of their league title. The Brazilians are on the final leg of pre-season in the Netherlands, with head coach Rulani outlining the challenges this will bring when the team returns to South Africa.
“The anticipation is that it affects us when we get back to South Africa. Traveling, jet lag, time zones, and altitude. These are all the problems we are going to have to overcome upon our return to South Africa. At the moment [it doesn’t affect us] we are training as normal,” Mokwena told the club’s official website.
Sundowns arrived in Europe at the height of summer but the temperatures should not affect the squad because it should feel like a warm Pretoria day in August. Coach Mokwena expressed satisfaction with the facilities being used by the team for this final phase of pre-season.
“The work is the same as we would have in South Africa, but our biggest challenge will be that week upon our return and that’s when we are going to really have to rely on the quality of our medical staff and our sport scientists to get our players over the line,” explained Mokwena.
Mamelodi Sundowns meet Sekhukhune United in the opening match of the 2022/3 season on Friday 4 August. Both teams have made significant additions and subtractions to their respective squads, making the encounter one to look forward to.