Eleven Mamelodi Sundowns stars donning national team colours at Afcon: Not a crisis, but a chance to grow bigger, says club legend Thabo Nthethe in an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma.
With Ronwen Williams, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Terrence Mashego, Mothobi Mvala, Tebogo Mokoena, Thapelo Maseko, Thapelo Morena, and Themba Zwane representing Bafana Bafana at Afcon, and Peter Shalulile carrying the Namibian flag, Nthethe sees not a depleted squad, but a furnace forging champions.
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"It's a good thing they have so many players at Afcon. Not just for Bafana Bafana but Namibia as well. That just shows the quality Sundowns have. The tournament will help keep them active which is a good thing. We always talk of the importance of game time and Sundowns will have almost the whole first eleven active at Afcon. From their number one goalkeeper to their top striker," Nthethe told the Siya crew.
Nthethe paints a picture of Downs stars, from goalkeeper Williams to striker Shalulile, impressing on Afcon's stage, while back home, the "fringe players" seize the opportunity to rebuild.
"This is good for Sundowns and it shows how deep their quality is because even those who haven't gone for Afcon are quality. While other teams will be only playing in friendly games Sundowns will be playing in competitive games at Afcon. Almost all their players will be playing there. That's very good for the club. Every club would have loved to have 10 or more players at a major tournament like Afcon," Nthethe observed.
He emphasizes the competitive edge Afcon offers, a sharpening stone for the Brazilians' already formidable blade. But Afcon isn't just about the big names, Nthethe reminds us.
"You know now is the time that whoever gets the chance should grab it and use it. You know it's very difficult to come on and play in such an environment of top class all round but when they play friendly games they have the chance to show the coach that they are also capable of doing good for the team."
And let's not forget the Downs machine, Nthethe adds, praising their legendary player management.
"One thing also which helps Sundowns is their recovery plans and ways. They know how to manage the fatigue of their players and that's what helps them compete effectively in all the tournaments no matter how many games they play. They know how to keep their players fit and fresh and keep on going. That also shows just how much quality they have and it always bails them out in tricky situations," Nthethe concluded.
So, while other teams tinker in the shadows, Sundowns bask in the Afcon spotlight, their stars shining on the continental stage, their depth tested and proven, their fringe players hungry for their moment.
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