Very rarely is the question: “How is the mood in the camp?” met with pleasure when asked by journalists. They are a tough crowd.
But it was a different story this week when Mamelodi Sundowns' spokesperson invited club captain Thabo Nthethe to give the press a behind-the-scenes glimpse before tonight’s CAF Champions League group stage clash against Zamalek at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
Nthethe, who has been captaining the side since the departure of Ramahlwe Mphahlele to Kaizer Chiefs last month, was happy to oblige.
A draw would be enough against the Egyptians for the Brazilians to reach the semi-finals of the continental competition with a game to spare, and it shouldn’t be such a tough task if Sundowns’ 2-1 win in Cairo more than a week ago is anything to by.
“We want to make sure we win our remaining games,” Nthethe said, quickly pointing out that he had nearly cost the team victory in Egypt when Mohamed Ibrahim snuck in behind him to score the equaliser, before Khama Billiat restored the visitors' lead.
“There is no time for us to relax. That is why it is also important to be switched on during the game, despite only needing a draw. I have watched the game again, and I think I should have done better.”
Nthethe has an even bigger responsibility tonight as he not only looks to marshal the defence, but also to help an unfamiliar rearguard partner feel at ease.
Not that Soumahoro Bangaly needs a babysitter, but he has been kept out of the team by the in-form Wayne Arendse, who is suspended after picking up too many bookings.
“I feel communication is always important at the back. That is why I feel I let the team down for not communicating better with our goalkeeper, Denis (Onyango), when we conceded the equaliser,” the skipper explained.
“I don’t think the way we play will change when a new player comes in, because there is so much quality that whoever comes in can still do the job.”
Zamalek, who will be missing Ibrahim after he suffered what looked like a broken leg in the first meeting between the two sides, will want to test this rearguard partnership.
But it will take a lot to dampen the mood in the Brazilians' camp.
Sundowns have hardly had a break since the end the domestic league in May, but have looked serious contenders for this Champions League title.
On Monday, coach Pitso Mosimane revealed that because of their congested fixture list, the club had taken a decision to have their off-season in December.
“I have looked at our calendar, and it looks like we would have played about 27 matches before the Christmas break,” Mosimane explained.
“That is a lot of football. We still want to defend our league title in the new season, and that is why I have told my players to just go away in December for two weeks. They must forget about football and spend time with their families.
“But the challenge is to keep our momentum when the next edition of the Champions League stars in February.” – The Mercury