Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Eric Ramasike has warned Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs that the Brazilians will challenge for all trophies this season.
The ex-Moroka Swallows player believes that coach Pitso Mosimane's winning mentality will push his troops to fight even harder following their Caf Champions League and MTN8 exits.
“I don't think there's any PSL club that will want to face off against Pitso when he is hurt. He has skills to tap into the minds of his players and I know they are angry just like him,” Ramasike told Isolezwe.
“Those teams that will face Sundowns will encounter difficulties this season and I can bet that Sundowns will successfully defend their league title,” said the man who lifted three consecutive PSL titles under the late Ted Dumitru with Sundowns.
“I played with Pitso and I know how he feels when he has lost a match or a tournament. It's his nature not to accept nothing other than a defeat,” he continued.
“He has inculcated that winning mentality in his players and that will make it very difficult to face Sundowns,” said Ramasike.
“The issue is that Sundowns did not only exit the Caf Champions League and the MTN8 Cup, but people have made jokes about them on social media and that will push them to respond,” concluded the Brazilians legend.
In the wake of their failure to reach the knockout stages of Africa's premier club competition after losing to Cape Town City in the MTN8 semi-finals, Sundowns will want to do well in their domestic campaign.
The reigning PSL champions are on the road this Sunday afternoon to Cavin Johnson's AmaZulu as they resume their league campaign after the recent Fifa international break.
Despite their Champions League and MTN8 exits, Sundowns are yet to lose in the league and will want to remain unbeaten against Usuthu.
They have drawn to Kaizer Chiefs and Highlands Park but secured a 2-0 win over Polokwane City in their second match of this term.
Meanwhile, the encounter against the Durban-based side will be staged at King Zwelithini Stadium at 15:00.
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