Rulani on challenges of starting season with transfer window still open
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has discussed the challenges of starting the season with the transfer window still open.
The 2023/24 PSL season commenced on 04 August with Sundowns beating Sekhukhune United 2-1. However, the transfer window opened on July 1st and closed at midnight on Friday, September 22nd.
The DStv Premiership is now in match week seven with the MTN8 in full swing in the semifinal stages.
According to Mokwena, he feels like some players will be in high spirits when playing against big teams in order to try to impress and secure a contract.
“Do I like games being played and the transfer window being opened? To be honest no. I tell the players also my feeling is the season only really starts when the transfer window closes. Especially for the big clubs,” said Mokwena.
Mokwena says starting season with transfer window open a ‘challenge’
“Number one, whenever you play some of the teams there is an artificial level of motivation that is within some of the players. And the teams where they also advertise themselves. They say while the window is open, ‘if I put in a very good performance against Sundowns there is a possibility that I may be transferred’.
“Sometimes when Sundowns plays some of these teams have an incredible motivation that is artificialised when the window is closed. ‘So there is no chance of me moving. And I have to be at my club giving the best that I can for my club’.
ACCORDING TO RULANI MOKWENA THEIR GAMES WILL BE DIFFICULT
“Without any extra levels of extrinsic motivation. And that makes our games very difficult during the transfer window. And then also within your own squad you’ve got players who don’t always train so well because they are also looking.
“When the window is closed they know that, ‘I am here up until the next window. I’ve either got to fight for my place. And give the best that I can or I sit outside and don’t play’. That’s just my perspective when it comes to the transfer window,” he added.
RELATED STORY: Rulani hints at what to expect for Sundowns in next transfer window