Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has put his side through a rigorous training camp in Polokwane that has seen a number of the younger players adapt to the coach's intense style.
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The Brazilians have spent the past week in Polokwane, where they have been preparing for the second half of the season following a near two-month FIFA World Cup-enforced break.
With the team set to take part in three competitions, namely the DStv Premiership, the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup, the Downs technical team has stepped up the intensity of their training regime.
However, the high levels of the Downs training sessions have seen a number of the club's development products like Ntando Nkosi, Siyanda Nyanga, Jerome Karelse, Mpumelelo Nkomo, Bongolwethu Siyasi and Varsity Cup star Thulani Zandamela struggle to keep up with the pace.
"There's about five youngsters from our development and I think it hasn't been easy for them. For us, we are used to the kind of training we have but for them they were struggling a bit, but I think after four days you could see that they are coming alright now but you could see they needed us to encourage them more because the training is different," veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene told the club's media department.
"Our training at Sundowns is very intense and you could see that they were struggling but they came along and they're okay at the moment," he said.
Meanwhile, experienced defender Grant Kekana says the youngsters need to follow in the example of Cassius Mailula, who has been sensational for Sundowns this season, if they are to succeed at Chloorkop.
"The youngsters are showing a lot of quality, a lot of desire and they're willing to work hard, which is the mentality that's needed to play here at Sundowns so we have a good group of youngsters who just need a little bit of guidance for them to step up on the big stage.
"I mean we have seen it this season with Cassius, I think Cassius has been doing well and has been setting an example for the ones coming after him, so I just think we need to hold them, protect them, and make sure that they work hard and when their chance comes, they're able to avail themselves."
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