I
have said it before that the biggest problem with Sundowns is not the players but
the entire team management who disrespected the fans requests or wishes.
Globally, fans are backbone of any successful team but at Sundowns fans were
never treated with dignity and respect they deserved. They even engaged on a
strike to sabotage the team after strings of poor performance.
The
team President, Patrice Motsepe succumbed to the Fans pressure by firing under-performing
Johan Neeskens who was recommended to the team by Motsepe's close friend Dutch
Legend John Cruyff. Motsepe further demoted some senior officials identified by
fans as culprits of sabotaging the team success and the President further
accept the recommendation(s) of Mosimane to remove some of the members of Neeskens'
previous technical team.
Sundowns
is now revitalized like a real well oiled machine under Mosimane who is
jingling his magical touch. Why is Mosimane successful within short period of
time than Neeskens?
Mosimane
understands Sundowns style of play, He treats his players like his real sons,
he doesn't bad-mouth his players using public media platform, he always
protects his players all the time, he is honest and realistic coach who doesn't
want to put his boys under unnecessary pressure, He plays players based on
merits than favouritism unlike his tenure at Bafana Bafana, He respect ball
players who create more chances in the game than defensive midfielders, he is
a fan of free flowing football coupled with an array of skills.
Mosimane
has modern football tactical acumen. He is always reading soccer tactics books
to impart himself with modern soccer techniques and tactics. Mosimane is humble
and down to earth coach despite that many local fans have hatred towards him
since his days of Bafana disastrous performance forgetting that Bafana don't
have quality players to compete against the best in the continent. Mosimane
was never a messiah to save Bafana but he is a messiah to save Sundowns from
humiliation this season.
The
race of Premier Soccer League (PSL) Championship or even the second spot is over
for Sundowns but the top 5 finish is possible. Mosimane is reviving the
original shoe shine and piano football. Good and balance Sundowns will always
contribute to the success of Bafana.
By Owen Mundalamo
@shudulizah
