Mamelodi Sundowns Chairman Thlopie Motsepe has come out to clarify the statement about their policy about sacking coaches when Miguel Cardoso was hired at the club.
Motsepe was present at the club’s launch and partnership with the Global Soccer Schools in Midrand which promises to be a major step in the long-term success and sustainability for their pursuit in developing elite youth products.
In the current first team set-up, there’s been mixed opinions and emotions amongst the fan base despite the club firmly in contention for the league – level on points with Pirates – and in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League.
This due to their inability to win the MTN8, Carling Knockout or the Nedbank Cup this season – and some indifferent performances overall, as they struggled to grapple with a congested fixture schedule.
“Out of respect, I must also just correct the statement,” Motsepe said to iDiski Times when asked about the statement of making changes before drops in performance.
“What I said was we want to improve the football, we said we have a goal of achieving the [CAF] Champions League and being successful in those competitions.
“I don’t think we said if things dip we would fire the coach, so I just wanted to clarify that. But, with that being said, the performance of the team this season, you have to look at it I suppose in context.
“Look at it from an entire perspective – where are we in terms of our position in the league right now? were we in that position last year? We were first, we’re still first.
“We’ve qualified for the quarterfinals of the champions league, so that dream is very much alive and we’re very excited to be competing in that competition.
“Again, if I say, if you look at it from a global context, other clubs in this situation, if you put this club in a different league and you said ‘you’re battling for a title, you’re in the quarterfinals of the Champions League,’I’m not sure if that would warrant immediate or effective or drastic action.’
“Are we excited or are we completely happy with the performances this season? We would’ve hoped to win a few trophies. The coach said that as well. Our players started the season with the ambition to be completely successful. That’s what we want to do every single season.
“So, it has been a bit disappointing in terms of the ups and downs at some moments, but what has made me incredibly proud is to see the resilience the team has shown under that kind of pressure, that kind of criticism that we have faced.
“And I think that’s what’s gonna stand us in good stead. If you look back, it’s 10 years since we won the Champions League, but when we did win the Champions League 10 years ago, it was a very difficult time for the club.
“That season was also one where we had our backs against the wall at certain moments and at times as well in the Champions League if felt like hope had been lost.
“So, I’m very hopeful, I’m very proud and I’m very encouraged to see where the team is going and this change of character that we’ve seen in recent months since the start of this year.”
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