Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi is hoping the international break will give his players renewed energy after a punishing schedule in recent months.
While many of Sundowns’ stars will be on international duty with their respective countries, it will give others in the squad the chance to recharge their batteries after he admitted his side were too lethargic in their surprise 1-1 DStv Premiership draw with bottom side Black Leopards this past weekend.
“We had a lethargic game that got us worried from the start of the game, but fortunately we got a goal from Musa [Lebusa],” Mngqithi said. “We got chances from breaks and I feel we should have capitalised but we did not take those chances. Even at halftime, we had a big fight because we seemed like a team that thinks we have already won the match.
“I am never at ease with a one-nil lead, more especially against a side that plays counter-attacking football. I have said it during the week that throughout the world, it is very possible for a team in the bottom to take points from a side on top.
“I must say that the intensity of the game was not what we are used to. Maybe we have played many games. It is very unfortunate for us not to win the game.
“To be honest, as much as they got a point, they never made any threat in our box. We have to take this on the chin and move on.”
Sundowns are four points clear at the top of the Premiership table and have two games in hand over second-placed Lamontville Golden Arrows.
They are next in action away at Sudanese side Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League on April 2, having already qualified for the quarterfinals after four wins from four in the pool stages.
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