By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns’ difficult run of form has coach Rhulani Mokwena “sweating”.
Following weeks of wearing a brave face, trying to look unfazed by the bad patch of form, Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Golden Arrows saw Mokwena finally admitting that he is worried.
“Yes, look. I’m sweating from the second half, high blood pressure, what are we going to do?” said Mokwena.
“But we have to play, we have to win and the players know it. We have to push them.”
The Brazilians have failed to win their last three Premier Soccer League games in what looks like signs of their season crumbling.
They have lost form at a critical stage of the season ahead of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.
Having won just one game in their last five PSL outings, it is a morale-sapping run as they prepare for the last-eight stage where they look jinxed on the continent.
After initially indicating they are now playing to better themselves from previous seasons, the target to smash their own 71-point PSL record is no longer a priority for the Brazilians.
“The good thing is we are not chasing the 71 points,” Mokwena said.
“So it does not suffocate us and we keep going and trying to be better in the next match.”
Sundowns are preparing for Saturday’s Nedbank Cup quarter-final showdown against Stellenbosch who recently frustrated them to a 1-1 draw in the league.
From there, they travel to Algeria for a Champions League date with CR Belouizdad.
Struggling for positive results in these games could mark a sensational collapse for Sundowns who were ruthless this term. But they are now a pale shadow of themselves and Mokwena knows there is a need for a plan to save their season.
“I’m paid to find solutions,” Mokwena said.
“I have to find the solutions as to how we can turn things around. Of course, we have to win. On Saturday we have to win.”
Just a month ago, they scored 10 goals in two big games after thrashing continental heavyweights Al Ahly 5-2 and the Royal AM 5-1 in the league.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena
Image source: Mamelodi Sundowns
