Mamelodi Sundowns displayed signs of fatigue in their Monday draw against Moroka Swallows, likely due to their congested schedule. However, coach Rulani Mokwena emphasizes that excuses won’t win them trophies.

“It’s unfortunate, but nobody will feel sorry for us,” Mokwena acknowledged.

The demanding schedule is undeniable. Just three days before the Swallows match, Sundowns played 120 minutes and ultimately won on penalties against University of Pretoria in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.

On Monday, their recent dominance seemed to falter. Questionable goals from Swallows halted their apparent march to victory at Dobsonville Stadium. The team then flew 12 hours to Tunisia on Tuesday, arriving midday on Wednesday before their first-leg CAF Champions League semifinal clash against ES Esperance this Saturday.

This relentless schedule took its toll. Their trademark crisp passing, known for breaking down opponents, lacked its usual precision during the Swallows draw.

Despite the challenges, Mokwena remains confident in his players’ ability to cope.

“The most important thing is that they are responding well,” he said. “We can’t be sorry for ourselves. We must represent this club in every single game to the best of our ability. It’s about the fans, the supporters. We sacrifice for them, we give it our all every day. We have another game in Tunisia on Saturday, then back to face Sekhukhune on the 20th of April. No one is going to feel sorry for us. We have to man up and do the best that we can and that is unfortunately what our lives are about. Heavy is the head that carries the crown.”

Unfortunately, the demanding schedule came at a cost. Teboho Mokoena felt a muscle strain during the Swallows match, prompting a swift substitution.

Picture courtesy of Esperance