Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Dan Malesela dismisses claims of player fatigue in South African football, arguing that the league’s fewer matches compared to Europe should not be an excuse for underperformance, as Sundowns face potential loss of their ninth consecutive Betway Premiership title. Picture: Samuel Shivambu, BackpagePix
Image: Samuel Shivambu, BackpagePix
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Dan Malesela has dismissed the persistent claims that modern SA footballers are overworked.
Sundowns have had to juggle their participation in the CAF Champions League as usual, and the fact that they may be pipped to the Betway Premiership title should not be attributed to player fatigue.
Of course, it will come as a massive disappointment for Sundowns if they do not win the league title for the ninth season in a row.
Whether they do or not, though, is no longer up to them as they have completed their games for the season. Orlando Pirates are second, two points behind, ahead of their final game away against Orbit College.
The equation is simple then: Pirates need to win to secure the title, or Sundowns will yet again be crowned champions.
Malesela said the players could not blame a busy schedule when they are accused of underperforming.
“As for players being tired, I cannot relate to that argument. We are playing far fewer matches than leagues in other countries around the world, yet the same players are used repeatedly,” Malesela told SportsBoom.co.za.
“We are a 16-team league playing four fewer matches than leagues in Europe, so are we saying we do not have the endurance?"
“In our country, we exaggerate the issue of players being tired, and it becomes an excuse. The schedule may be demanding, but it ultimately comes down to how you manage the games and the players.”