While it may appear that Mamelodi Sundowns are in a crisis due to what seems to be loss of form, indications are that there is no pressing of panic buttons as yet at the champions with the focus on starting the season well for improvement.
The Brazilians have been knocked out of the MTN8 after losing 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC in their second leg semi-final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday.
Read – Mngqithi: What Makes Me Unhappy
Downs bowed out of the prestigious competition without scoring a goal in three games, having also lost the first leg semi-final 1-0 on Wednesday, while their 1-0 extra time quarter-final win over Polokwane City was through an own goal.
With these results, it means that Sundowns have won only won one from their last six official matches, having drawn 1-1 against TS Galaxy in the League in May, lost 1-0 against Cape Town City in their last match and their 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final.
Having gone to Austria for their pre-season after appointing Manqoba Mngqithi as the head coach which was followed by the reappointment of Steve Komphela to an assistant role and the subsequent arrival of Romain Folz to further strengthen the technical team, Downs had high hopes about the start of the season.
Top signings were made including the one of Brazilian striker Arthur Sales, Bafana Bafana forward Iqraam Rayners, former South African youth international Kobamelo Kodisang, as well as promising defenders Kegan Johannes and Asekho Tiwani.
Following the disappointing start, concerns have been raised from some sections of the fans and supporters and in the fraternity on whether the former African champions are ready to dominate again in local football like they have been doing over recent seasons.
Indications from close sources are that the Chloorkop outfit is unlikely to make major changes going forward despite the slow start.
Read: How Downs Under Manqoba Compares to Rulani
"The team is almost done with all the planning in all departments and there isn't a need to make many changes. In the matches so far this season, it's not like the team has been bad as there have been chances to score but lack of luck in front of goal contributed to the (disappointing) results. It's not a crisis and everyone within the group is positive about bouncing back," an insider said.
"You must also remember that there are some players who have been unavailable in these early stages due to injury and that has also contributed to the situation. There are no plans of making more signings at this stage," said the source.
For all your exclusive football content and breaking news, join our WhatsApp Channel here.
