Despite their inconsistent start to the season, Mamelodi Sundowns remain the overwhelming favorite to win the Premiership title again this year.
The Brazilians have not had the best start to the season, but the truth remains that their roster is the largest and most talented in the league.
Sundowns are the South African equivalent of Manchester City in the English Premier League. City is the greatest team in the English Premier League, although they are not atop the standings due to Arsenal’s strong start to the season.
While the Arsenal have performed well thus far, the prevailing perception is that their roster lacks the depth and skill to continue their present level of play over the long term. A season is a marathon, not a sprint, and City are more equipped than any other Premier League team when it comes to resting or replacing injured players.
The same holds true for Sundowns in terms of the Premiership.
While this may be true, it must also be noted that the club with the best record on paper does not necessarily win the championship. This season is shaping up to be Sundowns’ most challenging to date.
In recent years, the Sundowns have resembled a well-oiled machine, but this season they have been reduced to ordinary mortals. Sundowns are fourth in the league after six games and have already lost twice.
This season, Sundowns’ unconventional coaching structure is expected to endure its greatest test to far. The team has relied on the coaching triumvirate of Manqoba Mngqithi, Steve Komphela, and Rhulani Mokwena since 2020, when Pitso Mosimane left to become the manager of Al Ahly.
The three have won two league crowns with relative ease, in part because the other teams in the premier division have not been up to par. It remains to be seen if Sundowns will be able to continue with their unorthodox three-way coaching structure or whether they will be forced to revert to the more conventional model of having one coach.
Unless Sundowns can recapture their magnificent form from previous seasons, there will undoubtedly be conflicts among the coaches. If disagreements arise, club management must move swiftly to address them; otherwise, they may eventually impair team morale and performance.