One of the Mamelodi Sundowns stars has given his reasons why the side will be more "powerful" in the second round of the season.
Sundowns will resume their DStv Premiership campaign on Friday when they host rivals Orlando Pirates in an eagerly anticipated encounter.
Read: Mshishi Discusses Rulani's Selection Criteria
The Brazilians went to the FIFA World Cup break leading the standings by five points with a game in hand.
The Tshwane giants, despite their good form before the recess under elevated head coach Rulani Mokwena, had major injuries to key players and having had two months' break, midfielder Themba Zwane believes the return of the players that were injured will make the team stronger for the second round of the season.
Sundowns most notably suffered a big injury blow of leading striker Peter Shalulile, who last featured in the MTN8 semi-final first leg goalless draw against Pirates with a muscular problem that required surgery.
Masandawana also had a couple of casualties in the Carling Black Label Cup tournament just before the World Cup, where Haashim Domingo, who was emerging as one of the key players under Mokwena, suffered a bad ankle injury following a horrific tackle by the Buccaneers defender Tapelo Xoki.
"Everyone is fit to play, you know even the guys that were injured they are back now, so the squad is strong and powerful," Zwane told Metro FM Sports.
'Mshishi' went on to weigh in on the challenge of playing such a big game in the peak of the festive period and says, as professionals, they have to get on with the job and are ready to give their best.
"We've never played on that day but there's nothing we can do, it's our job, we need to show up on that day, it's a big game and we're going to give it a fight to win that game," he added.
Read: Ralani Given Contract Advice By Legend
Sphelele Mkhulise was one of the injury casualties from the Carling Black Cup tournament, as also one of the key players under the young tactician. Other long-term injuries at the Chloorkop-based outfit include forward Abubaker Nasir, who has not featured for the Brazilians since early September.
Veteran midfielder Bradley Ralani is also nursing an injury and is closer to doing his conditioning, from the latest update provided by the club. Sundowns' treatment table also includes new recruits Abdelmounaim Boutouil and Terrence Mashego, Erwin Saavedra and experienced defender Mosa Lebusa.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
