It goes without saying that defending DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns hold all the trump cards when it comes to flexing their financial muscle in order to acquire the best possible signings during every transfer window.
This year marks exactly a decade since Pitso Mosimane took over the helm at the Chloorkop based from the then under fire Dutch coach Johan Neeskens, turning them into a formidable force that has won a trophy every season since.
Currently ranked number three on the continent, Sundowns have not only been dominating the local front but have established themselves as one of the most feared teams in Africa. They have also been serial CAF Champions League contenders competing against continental giants like Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca since they won the trophy in 2016.
Though ‘Jingles’ has since left, the Brazilians still continue to dominate the Premier Soccer League on all fronts and have been doing so for quite some time now, and this past season saw them win an unprecedented record-extending fifth straight league title.
Sundowns’ supremacy has shifted the spotlight on their cross-city rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates who have struggled to match Masandawana competitively.
Only the Buccaneers seem to be slowly closing in on Sundowns after hammering them 3-0 in the semi-finals of the MTN8 competition on their way to lifting the trophy early last month.
The drought however still continues for Amakhosi who are in their seventh season since last lifting a major trophy which was the PSL title and the MTN8 trophy back in 2014/15.
Yes, the mega riches of the Tshwane giants can lure any player to the club at any given time, but this is not solely down to Patrice Motsepe opening his cheque book.
With the game of football evolving, it is imperative that clubs equally equip their coaching staff to stay clued up with the modern traits of the game, and this is where once again Sundowns will hold the upper hand over Chiefs and Pirates when the league resumes on December 30.
Upon the resumption of the now underway 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Sundowns took a decision to send their technical team to the global showpiece in order to acquire new information as well as get themselves accustomed to new trends.
Since landing in the Middle Eastern country, head coach Rhulani Mokwena, assistant coach Steve Komphela, senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi and goalkeeper coach Wendell Robinson have been attending different matches in order to learn as much as possible about the game.
This in itself means the Brazilians are empowering their coaches which will in turn give them the upper hand over the other PSL teams as they have now gathered valuable new information and educated themselves.
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Masandawana currently occupies position number one on the league standings with 28 points from 12 matches, five points ahead of second-placed Richards Bay who has played a game more.
Mokoena’s troops resume the DStv Premiership with a crunch home encounter against Pirates at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday, December 31.