MAMELODI Sundowns senior coach Steve Komphela believes his side remain on course to achieve their pre-season objectives despite going winless in three games so far.
The Brazilians are in Austria on their pre-season tour, and have lined up a resolute set of friendly fixtures as they step up their preparations for the upcoming season.
Soon-to-be-named head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has been juggling a lot in recent weeks in terms of incomings and outgoings, and on top of that, results on the pitch that may raise anxiety levels slightly.
Sundowns have suffered defeats to German side Sandhausen and Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine), before rescuing a draw last time out against English Championship side Cardiff City at their Worgl training base on Tuesday.
A 78th-minute strike by Tashreeq Matthews saw Sundowns spared their blushes, and helped them avoid a third straight loss.
“All practice matches or friendly matches in pre-season, there are two things to look at: the performances, and also look at the results, and from a results point of view, Mamelodi Sundowns would never wish to draw a match,” said Komphela after the game against Cardiff.
“We are just a machine, engineered to win, but there’s a lot of plus points in this in the fact that Cardiff City will always give you problems in terms of the crosses and balls in the air.
“They will give you problems in terms of set-plays, and you have to be well set and be organised, which I felt we dealt with.”
Sundowns will make their second appearance at the Fifa Club World Cup in 2025, and will line up against some of the best clubs on the globe.
𝐀 𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐀
Denis & Lesiba swapped their boots for their bikes and went for a ride to discuss and reflect on the pre-season tour in Austria! 😁🇦🇹
Watch the full video 📲 https://t.co/jIXZAusTWu #Sundowns pic.twitter.com/0VL7Kr9UpM
With a fixture against Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal SFC scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, Sundowns have targeted a higher level and more dynamic opponents deliberately in preparation for various competitions, including the Club World Cup.
Komphela broke down the various challenges his side have been put through, and how they would aid their cause.
“They (Al Hilal) are very physical, which takes you to another level of physical preparation and the overall objectives in terms of your preparation moving forward. For sure, you will see a lot of baby steps and blocks placed towards what you wish to achieve,” he said.
“We are going to have a long and very difficult season, with different competitions that have different profiles. We are going to have competition in the AFL (African Football League), which is continental.
Coach Steve Komphela spoke to us after the action in Wörgl came to a close against Cardiff City! 🗣#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/Ll4cwdV0WH
“Then you go to the Club World Cup, which is international and gives a different dynamic.
“And we do have domestic competitions as well, including the league, so your preparation has to touch base with all of those.”
The Brazilians have the tall order of trying to defend their AFL and Betway Premiership titles in the 2024/25 season, while also chasing CAF Champions League, MTN8, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup glory.