Modiba Praises New Signings As Boost To Downs

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba has expressed his excitement about the club’s new signings in the January transfer window, believing they will bring quality and depth to the team ahead of the second round of the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, and the Nedbank Cup.

The Brazilians have recently signed Colombian attacker Brayan León from Colombian side Independiente Medellín, as well as Khulumane Ndamane and Monnapule Saleng from TS Galaxy and Orlando Pirates, respectively, to strengthen their squad.

“Very good signings for us, hopefully they can help us in the team,” Modiba said.

“I believe they will bring quality and depth to the team so that we can be able to do well in the Nedbank Cup, defend our league, as well as the CAF Champions League.

“It’s very important for us to win this tournament (Nedbank Cup) because this is a tournament that we’ve been losing for a long time.

“We lost most of the time in the finals, and it’s never nice to lose the final, so for us it’s to make sure that we do better than last season.”

Sundowns lost in the semifinal of the Nedbank Cup last season to Kaizer Chiefs, who went on to win the title. The last time Sundowns won the Nedbank Cup was in 2022 when they beat Marumo Gallants to claim their sixth title.

As the Nedbank Cup draw was conducted on Thursday, Sundowns were drawn against Motsepe Foundation Championship side Gomora United in a Gauteng Derby. 

The date, kickoff time, and venue for this game are yet to be confirmed.

The former SuperSport United defender expressed his pride in his achievements as a player, having won many titles with Sundowns and SuperSport, and representing Bafana Bafana.

“The first word I can say is being proud of myself for all the things I’ve achieved as a player, “Modiba added.

“I think all that I’ve achieved so far are the things I dreamed of since I was a child.

“Being here representing my national team and doing interviews for the Nedbank Cup, I think it’s something very close to my heart.

“I’m just happy with my career, and hopefully I can keep going for the longest time, then I will take it from there, but I’m proud of myself.”

With the new signings and a strong squad, Sundowns will be looking to make a strong impression in the Nedbank Cup and defend their league title. 

The team’s performance in the CAF Champions League will also be closely watched, as they aim to add to their solitary title won in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane.

Sundowns will resume the league when they host Orbit College at Loftus Stadium on Monday [19:30].