Mamelodi Sundowns' aura of invincibility is so potent that a mere draw against them feels like a triumph in rival camps. This stark reality, according to club legend Tiyani Mabunda, underscores the immense success the Brazilians have cultivated over the years.
Sundowns' perfect Premiership start came crashing down on Christmas Eve when Cape Town City held them to a goalless stalemate. This outcome, much to the delight of football neutrals nationwide, ignited the fire of competition, proving just how deeply Sundowns' dominance has permeated the South African football landscape.
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"It's the level of success we're currently on. People begin to celebrate a draw against Sundowns. It's perceived as a win," Mabunda told the Sundowns podcast on YouTube – the Pitch-Side.
"But it's understandable we need that energy sometimes. Then you know you have to win the next game. You have to win the following game. If a draw can cause the whole nation to be like that, then keen the fire burning," he added.
However, Mabunda, a pivotal figure in the club's 2016 CAF Champions League glory, cautioned against complacency. He dismissed comparisons between the current squad and the continental champions of seven years ago, echoing coach Rulani Mokwena's recent dismissal of the "favourites" tag.
"I like the way he way he responded, it sends a message that there is no level of comfortability. We're not relax in terms of the success we are currently on. But it shows there's a desire to do more, there's a desire to work hard for the results that is required.
"So, I always stand with coach Rulani in saying that it's not given that we are supposed to win, we need to work for it, it's not a must for us to win.
"It's something that we need to work for and I'm really proud to see the way the boys are really working hard to win the games that are coming really fast," Mabunda explained.
The road ahead remains challenging. Sundowns' scheduled Premiership clash against Moroka Swallows was abruptly cancelled due to challenges within the Dube Birds camp. But for the Brazilians, the quest for continued dominance marches on, fueled by the fire of competition and the unwavering hunger for more silverware.
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