Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Matthew Booth reveals that it will take time before the Tshwane giants start firing on all cylinders.
Despite bolstering their squad and making several marquee signings, Sundowns have experienced a rather disappointing start to their campaign.
Sundowns have been knocked out of both the Caf Champions League and MTN8, while they have only registered one win so far in the league.
However, Booth believes that the former African champions do not need to press any panic buttons as it will take time before Sundows’ new signings gel.
“Well I think defensively and in the midfield they have been fairly consistent,” Booth told Goal on Thursday.
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“They have put pressure on themselves by not scoring. Also, the obvious thing to talk about is Percy Tau. Last season, he was their main creative player and I think attacking players fed off him to a large extent - Billiat as well,” Booth added.
“So, to lose two players of that calibre, it doesn’t matter who you are (it will be difficult). But it is true, they will take some time to gel upfront and Pitso has tried different combinations… And I think he is yet to find the right combo upfront,” Booth explained.
Although, Booth remains optimistic about Sundowns' potential resurgence, he has admitted concern with Sundowns' vulnerability, particularly from set pieces.
“I suppose in open play they will always look comfortable because they have a fairly consistent back four. Although, he (Mosimane) has made changes they have all played together at certain stages, but set pieces are a worry. But I think if he is able to get his number one paring together which seems like it is (Wayne) Arendse and (Ricardo) Nascimento (they will find a solution),” the 41-year-old revealed.
“When you are going through a rough patch I would always revert to what I know,” he said.
Meanwhile, the lanky former defender has hailed the acquisition of Mosa Lebusa, who was signed during the now closed July/August transfer window.
“Lebusa is a very good buy because he has added a possible left-back and a left-sided centre back,” he expressed.
While Sundowns are yet to live up to the heights which they set last season by winning the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title, Booth believes that PSL teams should underestimate the Brazilians at their own peril.
“It’s obviously disappointing that they have been knocked out so early in a number of competitions, but I think that the rest of the teams could suffer a big backlash with regards to the league,” he explained.
“It’s quite frightening with all the talent at their disposal. I think they now have besides the TKO (Telkom Knockout Cup) just the league and the Nedbank Cup to focus on. So, I’ll be very wary of them at this stage,” the former Bafana Bafana defender concluded.
