Former Kaizer Chiefs Coach Claims Sundowns Don't Need Touchline Guidance to Win in PSL

• Bafana Bafana legend Shaun Bartlett boldly claims Mamelodi Sundowns could win the Premier Soccer League games without a coach in the touchline
• The former Kaizer Chiefs coach makes the daring statement amid Sundowns' impressive dominance in the Betway Premiership in the past eight seasons
• The Brazilians extend their reign as the best football club in South Africa by winning their eighth consecutive Betway Premiership titles

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Shaun Bartlett has made a daring statement about Mamelodi Sundowns not needing a coach for them to win games in the Premier Soccer League.

The Brazilians have won the last eight Betway Premiership and were crowned champions at the just concluded season under Miguel Cardoso.

The Pretoria giants narrowly missed out on winning the CAF Champions League after losing in the final against Pyramids FC.

They also missed out on winning their domestic cup as they were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup in the semi-final by Kaizer Chiefs and also losing the Carling Knockout Cup final to Magesi FC

Bartlett on Sundowns not needing a coach

In an interview with KickOff, Shaun Bartlett rates Sundowns team and comments on the quality of their squad.

“When it comes to Sundowns, you can almost say they’ve got the league wrapped up 80% of the time, purely because of the depth and quality they have across the pitch, from goalkeeper to striker,” Bartlett told KickOff.

“The real challenge is the CAF Champions League. That’s the one trophy that’s eluded them in recent years, even though they came close last season. For Sundowns, it's always about performing on the bigger stage.”

Bartlett, a former South African international, believes Masandawana’s domestic dominance is largely down to the strength and depth of their squad and not majorly on the brilliance of the coaches.

“They’ve built a squad capable of fielding two or three different starting lineups without a drop in quality. That’s how well-balanced and prepared they are.”

“With no disrespect to any coach, I honestly think Sundowns have become such a well-oiled machine that at times, they could win games even without a coach on the touchline,” he added.

In his conclusion, the former footballer turned pundit, also explained where Miguel Cardoso will feel the most pressure as Sundowns coach.

“As for Cardoso, the real pressure will come in the Champions League. That’s where Sundowns are desperate for more success. If he doesn’t deliver this season, it could be tough for the club to justify keeping him on.”

Sundowns would be gunning for their ninth successive Betway Premiership next season and also need to win the CAF Champions League for them to get another opportunity to participate in the next edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029.

Sundowns confirm departure of two players

Briefly News also reported that Mamelodi Sundowns have announced the release of two of their players ahead of next season.

The Pretoria-based club are already working on reducing the numbers of players in their squad as requested by their manager Cardoso.

Source: Briefly News