Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Brent Carelse has come out to defend his former side after they were accused of taking advantage of their financial muscles in the past few seasons. Carelse believes that Downs fellow big teams need to spend more to keep them competing with The Brazillians .
Masandawana have a reputation for spending big when it comes to signing players, but Carelse was keen to highlight their recent trend in the transfer market as he made a subtle dig at the other big teams to try to challenge Sundowns.
The DStv Premiership defending champions have flourished in the last decade under the Motsepe family ownership. Patrice Motsepe has long poured money into the team, especially during transfer windows periods. Coached by Pitso Mosimane, Downs won many league trophies and domestic cup tournaments.
The 2016 CAF Champions League winner have reportedly spent massive sums on the likes of Marcelo Allende, Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokwena and Sipho Mbule this season. That has led to accusations of them buying their success, but Carelse, whose former side are possibly guaranteed the title this season, pointed to their spending habits recently as he appeared to hit back at the narrative around the club.
“I don’t understand why people are angry that Mamelodi Sundowns are winning. I first said this five years ago or more, that Sundowns will dominate this league because of how they have been so consistent in working hard,” Carelse told Thisisfootball.Africa.
“Sundowns have been trying to improve day in day out, season in and season out and this is the reward of putting in the hard work. It has got nothing to do with money. Yes, they have money and resources better than some teams. But it’s important to have quality players, so that they can compete on the continent. They are not wasting money or overusing it. They are doing what they are supposed to do. Other teams should also try to buy players more, especially if they want to compete on the continent.
“When it comes to recruitment, Sundowns have always been a team that looks to buy quality, and it worked for them in the last few years. Their culture is visible and it’s brilliant.
“They buy players from teams that fight for relegation or even not in the top eight every year and the work on them to make them better. And which player does not want to play for a big team with quality teammates? Now it’s a culture at Sundowns.”
The Tshwane giants top the DStv Premiership table with 55 points, 23 points clear of second-placed SuperSport United, while Orlando Pirates and Kaizer occuping fourth and fifth spot respectively – having tied at 28 points – with 11 games to go.
Sundowns are also top of their CAF Champions’ League group B after beating Sudanese Al Hilal in their group opener over the weekend.
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