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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has acknowledged that his team has its finger in too many pies and this might cost the Brazilians various titles they are gunning for.
Sundowns are faced with a demanding schedule that includes their bid to defend the league title, a run in the CAF Champions League where they have already qualified for the knockout phase, as well as participation in the Nedbank Cup, which kicks off on February 5.
“It has been difficult for us now because we are involved in a lot of different programmes,” admitted Mosimane, who was speaking on Thursday after he was voted the Absa Premiership coach for December.
The gruelling challenge has been a norm for Sundowns over the years and it is something that Mosimane takes pride in.
“It is important for us to represent the country, the PSL and our families and also put the brand of the team in a positive and recognised space.
“Of course sometimes you want to win and you might not win but you have to fight to win to stay at the top of the log of the Champions League and we have to fight also for the league title in South Africa even though the odds are against us,” he said.
Currently sitting second on the Premiership table, Sundowns trail leaders Kaizer Chiefs by seven points after 18 games.
Mosimane has attributed the gap in points to his team being overstretched and fatigued.
Even though he complained about his team’s congested fixtures, Sundowns have already lifted the Telkom Knockout so far this season, thanks to a 2-1 win over Maritzburg United last month.
Mosimane guided Sundowns to victories over Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City, as well as a draw against fellow title chasers, Bidvest Wits, an unblemished streak that contributed to him winning the coach of the month award.
He was chosen ahead of Gavin Hunt of Wits and Norman Mapeza of Chippa United.
Full of gratitude, Mosimane thanked all the parties he said have played a vital role in the team’s achievements.
“There are important and relevant people who are contributors to the award that I am receiving. First it is the players, the people who won the games,” he said.
“Secondly, I would like to thank my entire technical team for their contributions to the games and the support they give me because our programme is a hectic programme. We find ourselves involved in three tournaments in six or seven days and you cannot as a single person be the main person to run a programme of this magnitude while trying to get the results.”
Mosimane also paid homage to the fans, including his bosses.
“Also I must thank the yellow nation [Sundowns faithful] who sing their lungs out for the team. They contribute to that.”
Mosimane was unable to attend the PSL award ceremony as his team is currently in Angola for their CAF Champions League group fixture against Pedro de Luanda on Saturday.
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