Extra Time: For the first time in ages, Mamelodi Sundowns don’t look like a dominant force, writes Michael Madyira.
Mamelodi Sundowns have made winning the CAF Champions League their top priority after dominating domestic football.
This is why they go all-out in the transfer market to get the best players available.
They even compete against European clubs for players such as the South American trio of Marcello Allende, Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Matias Esquivel.
Impressively, they get those players, much to the chagrin of their PSL rivals who are now calling for Fifa financial fair-play rules to be introduced in domestic football.
But despite being aggressive in the market and showing their financial prowess, the Brazilians have been less impressive on the field of late.
Making such a huge investment in new players but performing below par in recent games could be worrying for their fans.
Masandawana’s last five games have not been a thrilling showcase of a squad worth R6.7-billion, according to Transfermrkt.
It started with the Nedbank Cup quarter-final victory over Maritzburg United.
Without taking anything away from the Team of Choice, who deserve some respect, the Brazilians are usually ruthless against lower division teams but on this occasion, they wanted to win.
That was followed by a 0-0 draw with Young Africans in the CAF Champions League quarter-final first-leg match away in Dar es Salaam.
Yes, Yanga is a competitive outfit but Sundowns were just not themselves and could not be recognised.
They came back home and laboured to a 1-0 PSL win over struggling Richards Bay and, again, the Brazilians were off-form.
Friday’s penalty shootout win over Young Africans in the return leg of the Champions League last-eight was another uninspiring showing by the Brazilians.
Rhulani Mokwena’s men did not seem to play their usual breathtaking style of football and captain Themba Zwane disappeared while forwards Peter Shalulile and Ribeiro were anonymous.
They then faced PSL basement side Cape Town Spurs on Tuesday and squeezed to a 1-0 win, without demonstrating their usual enterprising brand of football.
That could worry their fans going into the Champions League semi-finals. If the team continues on this path, last-four opponents Esperance might have a walkover.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate against Petro Atletico in the African Football League.
Image source: Mamelodi Sundowns
