As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to offload players in the coming weeks, coach Pitso Mosimane has discussed a potential stumbling block.
It's money – players want game-time, but aren't always willing to take a pay cut!
Read: Hunt Remains In Pole Position For Chiefs Job
"Unfortunately, with football there's the money, but there is game-time also. How many times have you heard players saying 'it's not about the money, I want to play?' How many mean what they say? Fabregas left Arsenal and took a pay cut to go to Barcelona," the coach told journalists this week at an event hosted by one of their sponsors, Hyundai.
"How many can do that? It's up to the player – when you move from to Sundowns, of course you are going to want more. You then change your lifestyle, that's normal. If you live in a one-bedroom, you want two, for example. If you drive a small car, you then want a better car. You improve. It's not about the luxury sometimes, it's about improving. We used to just run (to exercise), but now we want the watch that tells you how you are doing."
Sundowns are yet to officially unveil new players for next season, but as many as 10 players will be arriving at Chloorkop.
Mosimane confirmed that he has handed a list of departures to management.
Read: Pitso To Mido: Do You Want Trophies? Come Here!
"When you don't play well where you are going, it's normal that you will complain when you are on the bench. You need game time. But we can't take out Themba Zwane for you to play, you have to be the same or better," the coach explained.
"You can get game time somewhere else, because if you are signed by Sundowns, it means you are a good player. But people struggle to go back to the old lifestyle, even though you were there before. That's football and that is the situation with the players. I always suggest to the players to maintain their original lifestyle so that when they have to transition back they can survive. Players want to stay because of the money, but it is easy for people to say the guy has been there for four years and played 10 games. But do you think if someone wants the player we will say no? Then me as a coach I am sabotaging the player. But it's how people see it."
Story by @superjourno
Check out the gallery to see the 10 players Sundowns have signed!
