Simba Marumo during the 2016 Copa Coca Cola provincial finals at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London. Photo: Michael Sheehan / BackpagePix
Sundowns were dumped out of the continental competition by Wydad Casablanca in the quarterfinal through penalties.
“It was disappointing because I expected them to go far. They have to bounce back in terms of picking themselves up after their elimination,” Marumo told SowetanLive.
“I expect them to do a lot better domestically. It is a scar they will feel for a long time this season. If anything, they will feel pressure in all their PSL games but I expect them to do well in the league.”
Brazilians brought new players into the squad after the sale of some of the club’s most valued players like Keagan Dolly and Bongani Zungu in the past two seasons and the added struggle with injury by some key players.
“I am not sure if the new recruits can take them higher. The standard they set last year was so high that I am not sure they can take it forward.
“I still have to see how the new-look side will fare. I am not sure they will reach the same level, but I personally hope they can do it,” concluded Marumo.
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