Moroka Swallows coach Steve Komphela has showed compassion to his opposite number Rulani Mokwena and his former employers Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their frantic match schedule this season.
On top of the DStv Premiership, the CAF Champions League and all the domestic cup competitions, Sundowns have added the new cash-rich African Football League (AFL) tournament to their fixture schedule.
The eagerly anticipated AFL competition is edging closer, which will see Masandawana travel to Angola to face Petro de Luanda in their quarterfinal first leg on Saturday.
Speaking at the Carling Knockout cup press briefing at the PSL offices in Parktown ahead of their clash against Richards Bay on Sunday, Komphela said teams may benefit from the tight Sundowns schedule, as they will likely be fatigued from the travelling.
“I feel very sorry [for Sundowns], the schedule is going to be crazy,” Komphela said.
“At the back of that schedule, you must travel. And you know how difficult it is to be travelling on the continent. One big thing we thought of is fatigue, not only physical fatigue but mentally as well. How many matches are they going to play?
“If the schedule is too heavy, they will feel the pinch. Other teams will now stand a chance [to beat them] and I wonder if they can play 40 to 50 matches without showing any signs of fatigue. It’s going to be interesting, but I feel for their technical team.”
Carling Black Label Knockout
Against TS Galaxy during their Carling Knockout cup opener, Sundowns missed a host of their key players, captain Themba Zwane, defenders Mothobi Mvala, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
For the Brazilians, crashing out of the knockout tournament could prove to be a blessing in disguise, as it will lessen their commitments in their already tight match schedule.
With Sundowns out of the competition, it goes without saying that the rest of the teams, including the high-flying Dube Birds, will be licking their lips and fancy their chances of winning the inaugural knockout competition.
