POLOKWANE – Congratulations are in order for Mamelodi Sundowns winning the 2015/16 Absa Premiership title and commiserations to Kaizer Chiefs for failing to defend the title, as well as Bidvest Wits, who kept the title race nail biting until the end.
Key to Mamelodi Sundowns snatching the win was firstly, pre-season training. If training is not meticulously and unremittingly done, the season ahead can become messy. Masandawana spent time in Namibia and Zambia where they played a total of nine games before the official start to the season. They set up camp in Mbombela for three weeks during which time the players and technical staff bonded. My unsullied sources tell me the team building hinged on everyone learning to trust each other. Activities revolved around building trust among the members.
The second aspect was the depth of quality within the team. While many bemoaned the club for making numerous signings and denying players game time – it is the same environment that created fierce competition within the team. It was not unusual to see the likes of Teko Modise, Anthony Laffor, Asavela Mbekile and Themba Zwane on the bench – players that could easily make the starting line-up of any other team.
Having good players is one thing, but having good players who combine well, augurs well for any side that has the ambition to win the silverware. This aspect contributed to Sundowns’ success. While everyone has been singing the praises of the lethal ‘CBD’, few would disagree that key to Sundowns taking the victory was “ABCD” – Alpheus (Hlompo Kekana) – (Khama) Billiat – (Leonardo) Castro and (Keagan) Dolly. They scored 29 goals between the four of them (Alpheus 5, Billiat 10, Castro 10, and Dolly 4). Before the last match, Sundowns had scored 53 goals; the most by any team. There was consistency in selection which led to consistency in the results.
When the chips were down and Sundowns faithfuls went berserk demanding the sacking of Pitso Mosimane, club President, Patrice Motsepe, stuck to his guns and showed faith in his coach. Part of a club’s success stems from club bosses who don’t easily give in to every demand made by fans. But again any successful club is spurred to dizzy heights by the same fans and the Downs fans showed their true colours and were there for the team at all times. They were vociferous through and through and the players knew all too well they had to come to the party.
When all is said and done, it is clear that Sundowns deserve the title. Expect this Sundowns side to make a clean sweep at the end of season PSL Awards.
