Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has spoken about how the FIFA World Cup experience played a part in bringing the club's technical team together.
Led by Mokwena, the Sundowns technical team spent some time in Qatar and they got to take a lot out of the trip, which could help them in introducing some new trends to South African football. Steve Komphela, Manqoba Mngqithi, Wendell Robinson and sporting director Flemming Berg were part of the trip but are now back to start preparing for what should be a tough second half of the season, with CAF Champions League football also part of the schedule.
READ: Zungu, Mbule Co Receive High Praise
Sundowns are top of the DStv Premiership standings, with a lead of five points, and have qualified for the Champions League group stages.
"It's good to be back working with the players. The trip was very good. When you speak about this trip, I think you've got to 100 percent thank the club, the president of the club, the Motsepe family for the privilege they bestowed upon us to go on the trip and give us an opportunity to not just witness history being made, but also to learn from some of the best coaches and best football players, different concepts and styles from around the world, you know," Mokwena said via the Sundowns media department.
"We got an opportunity to watch 17 games in five days, which was something that was difficult to do, attending four matches a day. But it's something that myself and the rest of the technical team were able to do. Even though it was difficult, we were pleasantly surprised that we were able to get it done. As difficult as it was, with a lot of running, long-distance walks and jogs sometimes, we managed to do it by encouraging each other and supporting each other.
"It also gave us an opportunity to build our own chemistry and spend a lot of time with each other, which helps to formulate some form of good group dynamics so that we know each other better off the pitch."
READ: Sundowns To Make Official Call On Mayo?
Sundowns will take on Orlando Pirates on December 31, meeting the Buccaneers for the fourth time this season.
