With the second half of the season less than a week away from commencing, Soccer Laduma looks at why DSTV Premiership champions have the potential to be even more dominant than they have been.
Sundowns resume their title defense with a clash away from home against Golden Arrows on Valentine's Day, looking to strengthen their position at the top of the Premiership standings.
READ: Possible Sundowns Line-Up Without 10 Bafana Stars
New signings
You'd think that will all the quality they have in the team, Sundowns would put away the chequebook and work with what they have. But, the champions are not the type to rest on their laurels. They went into the market to secure the services of Zuko Mdunyelwa, Matias Esquivel, Tashreeq Matthews and Thembinkosi Lorch, while their rivals did not do too much in the market to bolster their sides. They definitely mean business.
Much needed rest
Sundowns played an equivalent of am entire season of matches in the final five months of last year. The mid-season break has given them an opportunity to rest and refuel for the second half of the campaign. They may have 10 players away on international duty with Bafana Bafana, but the many who were left behind have had an opportunity to recuperate.
Returns from injury
As if they already don't have enough to pick from, Sundowns have the luxury of welcoming midfielder Bathusi Aubaas back from injury. After joining from TS Galaxy, the midfielder was hit by injury and spent months on the sidelines. He is back and gives head coach Rulani Mokwena more options.
Motivation to go unbeaten
The PSL is still waiting for its first ever 'Invincible' club, a team that goes an entire season without losing a match. As things stand, Sundowns are the only unbeaten side in the Premiership and have a good chance of finally finishing a season without a defeat. That should definitely motivate Mokwena and his men.
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Bafana players in good form
Most of Sundowns' players in the Bafana squad are in good form at the moment and there is a potential that they can take it back to club level. All of Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Morena and Themba Zwane are in good form at AFCON and this could give them an edge over opposition.
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