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Sundowns have signed Anthony Laffor from SuperSport United.

FOR the first time since Patrice Motsepe took over the reins, Mamelodi Sundowns have curbed their astronomic expenditure in the transfer market.

The Brazilians abandoned their usual spending habits acquiring only one player during the January transfer window.

Liberian playmaker Anthony Laffor was the only player recruited to Chloorkop from SuperSport United.

Downs technical director Trott Moloto is of the view that they have done well by adding just one player to their stable.

“We are very happy with how we fared in the transfer market and I feel that we have achieved our objectives because Sundowns does not just buy players to impress people,” said Moloto.

Moloto, who led Sundowns to their last trophy – 2008 Nedbank Cup – believes the acquisition of Laffor will enhance their chances of making the grade this season.

“This is the only area where the technical team felt we needed to strengthen, which is why we went ahead and signed Laffor. Everyone knows what Laffor can do and that Sundowns always wanted to sign him for a long time now, and I must say that I’m quite happy that we finally got our man,” said Moloto.

“What makes this player special is his versatility as a midfielder, he can play on the right or the left of the midfield and he can also play behind the strikers or even play as an out and out striker.”

With his abilities Laffor can walk straight into the line up of any team but in a team that boast the likes of Teko Modise, Elias Pelembe and Lebogang Mokoena, the captain of Liberia has to compete for a starting berth.

“We have quality midfielders in our squad, which means Laffor has to fight for his place in the starting line up,” said Moloto.

That Downs were not aggressive in the market could probably be justified by the fact that they already have a large squad. Still, despite the numbers, Downs defence was not the most impressive during the first half of the league. There were expectations that the leaky defence would be bolstered but it wasn’t.

“We didn’t see a need to sign any new players in defence because we have all our squad members back to full health. Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Doctor Mampuru have both fully recovered, and that is good news for us because they are very talented young players with a bright future not just for Sundowns but for the country as well,” said the former Bafana Bafana coach.

Currently Sundowns are having a camp in Polokwane, where Johan Neekens is taking his players through their paces. The log leaders are expected back in the city this weekend.

“The camp is going well and the players are looking motivated and raring to go when the second half of the league season starts. We have played matches against very tough opponents in order to prepare well and maintain the competitiveness of our team,” said Moloto. – Pretoria News