After their MTN8 semi-final exit over the weekend, there are some concerns for Mamelodi Sundowns which they need to fix.
Sundowns lost out on reaching the MTN8 final yet again, going down in another two-legged semi-final to rivals Orlando Pirates, on penalties. Soccer Laduma looks at five key concerns for the Tshwane giants.
READ: Cardoso Breaks Silence On Maseko's Future
Fans slowly losing patience?
After the defeat on penalties to the Buccaneers, a few of the club's supporters gathered outside the main entrance next to the bus at Lucas Moripe Stadium and made it clear that they were not happy with sporting director Flemming Berg, as well as coach Miguel Cardoso. The club's supporters have shown in the past that they can make life uncomfortable for a coach at the helm and this will no doubt create more pressure for the technical team and the players.
Another cup competition gone
Sundowns have made it a normality to win the Premiership title every season, but they have struggled in the knockout competition. They were in a good position to reach the final on Saturday, but could not hold on, or extend the lead, as they allowed Pirates back into the game. One knockout competition is already gone for them and there will be more pressure to deliver with the ones that are still coming. After losing out in two knockout finals last season, Sundowns supporters will no doubt be expecting the club to win one this term.
Transfer window
In the past, Sundowns would have done most of their transfer window, but they've only signed one player after releasing a whole host of individuals. The club has been trimming the squad and the only new addition has been Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC. Youngsters Gomolemo Kekana and Thato Sibiya are part of the first team after gradutating from the DStv Diski Challenge side, but Sundowns probably need a few more new faces to ensure they can handle the long season which will also see most of their players going to the Africa Cup of Nations with Bafana Bafana.
Mudau situation and player uncertainty
Zuko Mdunyelwa is slowly raising his hand at right back for Sundowns, but it's evident that they are missing the presence of Khuliso Mudau, who is currently in limbo over his contract. There has been the controversy surrounding Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who is forcing a move out of Sundowns, while the likes of Peter Shalulile, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Thapelo Maseko have been linked with exits.
READ: Ribeiro Fights Sundowns For Exit
Players not in good form
Cardoso has stated that the club is behind all the other clubs because they started their pre-season preparations later than everyone else, due to their participation at the FIFA Club World Cup. While they are yet to suffer a defeat in regulation time, Sundowns have not been as fluid as they would like to be and some of their star players are taking a bit of time to find good form, the likes of Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams, Marcelo Allende and Grant Kekana.
