Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has hinted that the club could get a massive boost after the FIFA World Cup break.
Giving an update following the team’s return to training, Mokwena praised the club’s medical team for sacrificing to get injured players back on the field.
Sundowns resumed training on Monday and welcomed back their star-studded squad after a two-week break.
SUNDOWNS BACK FROM SHORT HOLIDAY
The defending DStv Premiership champions only started their short holiday after winning the Carling Black Label Cup.
“The medical department – the physios, and biokineticists sacrificed their time not going to holiday. That is the spirit at Mamelodi Sundowns – selflessness and the ability to put the club first and sacrifice a lot of time,” Mokwena told Sundowns media.
The Downs mentor further mentioned the players that looked likely to be available for the Orlando Pirates clash on 31 December.
The Tshwane giants host Pirates at the Loftus Versfeld on New Years’ Eve in a potentially explosive encounter.
“There are players who come from injury like Terrence Mashego, Peter Shalulile, [Abubeker] Nassir….
“They managed to get a bit of catch-up. We tried to accelerate recoveries so that, hopefully, by the time we resume the league, we are able to have a more extensive list of players to choose from,” added Mokwena.
SHALULILE’S CONTRIBUTION
The trio’s return would likely excite Sundowns’ followers, who know Shalulile’s contribution last season. The Namibian scored 30 goals across all competitions last season and will be looking to extend his tally after only managing six this season.
All his goals this season have come in the league. Besides the trio, Haashim Domingo, who was a victim of a crude tackle by Tapelo Xoki in the Carling Cup final, is also making steady progress alongside Erwin Saavedra.
Mokwena added that Bongani Zungu, Marcelo Allende, Gift Motupa, and Sipho Mbule stayed behind to work on their fitness.
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