Mamelodi Sundowns off Field Issues and Their Performance So Far This Season

Mamelodi Sundowns are currently facing different off-field problems this season, and it’s somehow affecting their performance on the pitch.

The Brazilians were knocked out of the MTN8 competition after losing to Orlando Pirates in the semi-final, with the first leg and second leg ending in a 1-1 draw, but lost 4-1 on penalties at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.

Miguel Cardoso said after the match that their off-field issues are not having any impact on the performance of the players on the pitch, but a Sports journalist has disagreed with the Portuguese tactician.

Sundowns' off-field issues and their performance

Sports journalist, Moses Mbogo, in an exclusive chat with Briefly News, shared his thoughts on Sundowns' performance so far this season, and how the off-field issues are getting to show on the pitch.

The Premier Soccer League giants are presently being dragged to FIFA by Lucas Ribeiro Costa over a contract dispute, and the player wants to leave.

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Kutlwano Letlhaku's agent is also giving the club problems over his client also wanting a move, while they are also in court with former coach Pitso Mosimane over an agent fee issue.

"Many might think Mamelodi Sundowns are doing well this season, by other teams' standard that would be right, but if we judge them by the standard they've raised over the season, then this start to this campaign is questionable," he said.

"Technically, they are not losing games, but if you watch closely, they tend to struggle to get wins, and their latest performance against the Bucs put them more in the spotlight.

"Cardoso can say off-field issues are not affecting their performance on the pitch, he's paid to do that when he comes to the media, but backend problems are obviously affecting their performance."

Mbogo went on to explain how the off-field issues are affecting Sundowns so far this season.

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"As little as Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro's connection that was there last season, missing so far this term, shows how off-field issues are affecting them," he added.

"The Brazilian was the best player in the South African league last campaign while forming a good partnership with the Bafana Bafana striker, but that's not there anymore. With Cardoso trying to fix Arthur Sales in that position, it would take a little while for the connection to click.

"Another issue is some of the current players thinking about whether they would be treated the same whenever they wish to leave the club in the future."

Source: Briefly News