Mamelodi Sundowns Sporting Director Berg 'loves South American players' - 'They can play on perfect FNB pitch, & week after play on sh*t pitch like Polokwane'

Mamelodi Sundowns have signed several players from South America to help them improve their quality and achieve their goals.

The Premier Soccer League defending champions have seen the likes of Ricardo Nascimento, Leonardo Castro, Gaston Sirino, Marcello Allende, and Lucas Ribeiro make a positive impact.

Their latest acquisition is Brazilian Arthur Sales who was signed in the most recent transfer window. Club's Sporting Director Flemming Berg has now explained why players from South America are preferred by Masandawana.

“I absolutely love South American players, no doubt, I love them, they have so much flair,” he told the media.  

“It’s also because in South America they are used to one day play on a perfect pitch like the FNB, and the week after they play on a sh*t pitch like the one, we played on in Polokwane.  

"One day they play at sea level, one day they play in the altitude. One day they play in extreme humidity like in Durban and one day they play where it’s very cold.  

"So, there are similarities with a lot of things for South American players compared with South Africa, so they adapt fast," Berg concluded.

The aforementioned players will be required to give their best this season and help Masandawana win the elusive second Caf Champions League trophy.

The South African champions will also represent Africa in the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World Cup alongside Al Ahly, Wydad Athletic Club, and Esperance.

The likes of Ribeiro and Allende have already played a crucial part in helping the club reach Carling Knockout final where they will play Magesi FC on Saturday, November 23.

Sundowns will be aiming at winning their first trophy of the season in the Carling Knockout Cup final at the Free State Stadium where they will face PSL newbies Magesi FC.

However, the biggest crown - arguably, is the elusive second Caf Champions League triumph and a good run in the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.

The likes of Ribeiro, Allende and Sales will be needed to be at their best for the Manqoba Mngqithi-led team.