Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has pointed out the toughest part of coaching a star-studded team like his side.
Sundowns are undoubtedly the best team in the PSL based on winning titles and having quality players.
Since the 2016/17 campaign, Masandawana have won 10 trophies. These include six league titles, two Nedbank Cups, one Telkom Knockout and one MTN8
Despite having depth, some players will be left unhappy because of a lack of minutes and game time on the pitch.
DIFFICULTIES OF COACHING A TEAM WITH MANY QUALITY PLAYERS
According to Mokwena, the challenge is to keep every player happy. As much as they deserve to play, it will be difficult to throw them into the team.
“[Managing a star-studded squad] It’s probably the toughest part of a coach’s job in a big team,” Mokoena told the Pitchside Podcast.
“Throughout the season, I spent more time thinking about [Surprise] Ralani, [Thabiso] Kutumela, Mosa [Lebusa] and Rushine [De Reuck] on how can I make these guys happier.
“As a footballer, the happiness comes from being on the pitch. Having a competitive changeroom is healthy for your training, and your training is important for your games.”
RULANI MOKWENA LIKENS THE CHALLENGE TO CHELSEA’S STRUGGLES
In the just-ended 2022/23 Premier League season, Chelsea signed a total of 17 players in summer and winter transfer windows. Despite bringing in quality, they struggled to finish 12th.
“In big clubs, the experience is that they have a lot of good players. Trying to make everyone happy is very difficult.
“Chelsea was probably the biggest example last season. They got an incredible depth and incredible quality, but could just keep on being a team. That becomes difficult because football is still a team sport,” he added.
With that being said, the Tshwane giants are rumoured to be parting ways with quite a few stars ahead of the 2023/24 season in search of more game time.
Stars like Lesedi Kapinga, Mosa Lebusa and Surprise Ralani may soon be playing for other teams.
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