‘Fatigue Is An Excuse’ — Malesela Warns Sundowns Over Defensive Issues Ahead Of CAF Final

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Dan Malesela believes the Brazilians will head into their CAF Champions League final clash against AS FAR Rabat as favourites, but has warned that lingering defensive concerns and the demands of a gruelling campaign could still derail their ambitions.

Although Sundowns remain strongly backed to secure a second continental crown, and their first since lifting the trophy in 2016, Malesela feels there are still tactical and psychological hurdles the Chloorkop outfit must overcome if they are to finally end years of frustration on the African stage.

Defensive concerns ahead of Champions League showdown

Their preparations for Sunday’s first-leg encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium (16:00 kick-off) have been far from ideal.

Sundowns’ hopes of securing a record-extending ninth consecutive Betway Premiership title suffered another major setback following a damaging 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening. 

The Brazilians now hold only a three-point lead over Orlando Pirates, who still have two games in hand and a superior goal difference that could prove decisive in the title race.

Having conceded seven goals across their last two league matches, Malesela has questioned Sundowns’ defensive approach heading into a tie where the away-goal rule could play a crucial role, especially with the 2016 champions tasked with hosting the opening leg against the Moroccan side.

“You expect Sundowns to win,” Malesela told SportsBoom.co.za.

“However, with them, it’s twofold. I am worried because, in previous years, they were expected to win two trophies in a row, and it never happened. That is my biggest concern."

“That concern was reinforced in the last two matches and by just how open the defence was. There is a need for caution, and I think Sundowns are wasting too much time keeping possession in their own half.”

“This thing of stopping the ball does not harm opponents because when you stop the ball, teams are able to reorganise if they were disjointed. The ball is standing still, there is a reason it is not square; it is supposed to roll.”

“I am worried about the approach. I believe they can win the Champions League, although I still have many reservations, but we will have to wait and see.”

Pressure mounting on multiple fronts

Malesela added that it will be vital for Sundowns to put themselves in a strong position before travelling for the second leg a week later, especially given the pressure that comes with facing another North African opponent after last season’s disappointment against Pyramids FC in a final many expected them to win.

While FAR Rabat, like Pyramids previously, lack extensive experience in the latter stages of the competition, Sundowns will still need the right mentality to navigate the challenge, according to the former defender.

“Fortunately, I played in the Champions League and coached in the Confederation Cup," Malesela continued. 

“The disadvantage of playing at home first is that opponents are usually more accommodating when they visit you, but they turn the tables and become difficult when you visit them. Unfortunately, that is the nature of African football.”

“The one thing that will greatly help Sundowns is if they secure a comfortable lead and keep a clean sheet heading into the second leg, which would make life difficult for their opponents.”

“For Sundowns, it has been difficult because they are chasing the league title while also competing in the Champions League. That brings pressure for both the coach and the players."

“Pressure comes with the fear of losing, and my hope is that they stay motivated, fear nothing, and approach the game with a winning mentality. If they do that, they will come out on top.”

Managing a relentless schedule

Coming off a season that began with the demands of the FIFA Club World Cup campaign, which coach Miguel Cardoso previously admitted disrupted preparations, Malesela believes Sundowns have faced an extremely demanding schedule, although he stopped short of calling it unfair.

“I do not think the schedule has been unfair, but It has been extremely demanding. I understand that there is a World Cup coming, but the biggest disadvantage is that Sundowns have players going to the World Cup, so where do their priorities lie?"

“What are they prioritising? They must win the league, focus on winning the Champions League, and also prepare for the World Cup.”

“I know there are several players from Pirates involved as well, but at least Pirates are only focused on the league. It is a massive ask for players to concentrate on everything at once.”

Despite acknowledging the workload, Malesela dismissed suggestions that fatigue should be used as an excuse.

“As for players being tired, I cannot relate to that argument. We are playing far fewer matches than leagues in other countries around the world, yet the same players are used repeatedly." 

“We are a 16-team league playing four fewer matches than leagues in Europe, so are we saying we do not have the endurance?" 

“In our country, we exaggerate the issue of players being tired, and it becomes an excuse. The schedule may be demanding, but it ultimately comes down to how you manage the games and the players," he concluded.