Moroka Swallows coach Steve Komphela feels 'sorry for Mamelodi Sundowns, they will feel the pinch'

• Downs are taking part in four competitions
• Majority of their players are full internationals
• Komphela explains how Brazilians might be affected

TELL ME MORE: Sundowns are fresh from Carling Knockout elimination thanks to TS Galaxy, the second time they have been defeated in domestic Cups after an initial defeat by Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final.

Despite missing key players who were on international duty with their respective national teams, others are sidelined owing to injuries.

The team is locked in the Caf Champions League and Premier Soccer League and will soon compete in the African Football League and Nedbank Cup.

Komphela has now explained why coach Rhulani Mokwena may find it tough in the next couple of months.

WHAT HE SAID: "I feel very sorry [for them], the schedule is going to be crazy," Komphela told the media as quoted by Sowetan.

"On the back of that schedule, you have to travel. And you know how difficult it is to travel on the continent.

"Then it goes to the depth of the squad. Yes, there is indeed depth in the squad, but there is also chemistry because as soon as you change one or two players, it does reflect in the team’s performance and dynamics," he added.

"One big thing we thought of is fatigue, not only physical fatigue but mentally as well. How many matches are they going to play?"

AND WHAT IS MORE: The 56-year-old went on to explain how other teams can benefit from the situation.

"If the schedule is too heavy, they will feel the pinch. They will be tired and all that, so it becomes the responsibility of whichever teams in the premiership are ready to stay fresh to compete and win, they have a chance," he added.

Other teams stand a chance now; I wonder if they will play 40 to 50 matches without showing any signs of fatigue. It’s going to be interesting, but I feel for their technical team.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: In the Premier Soccer League, Downs have a 100% winning record after playing eight matches.

They have not suffered any loss in regulation time across all competition and their chances of winning the league are still high.

However, recurring injuries on their key players have reduced Mokwena's options, and getting a working chemistry between the available players has been tough.

WHAT NEXT: Mokwena can just remain hopeful that his injured players can recover in time to help the team in forthcoming matches.

After winning just the PSL title last season, Mokwena is hoping to win more silverware this term and justify the need to have quality players in his ranks.

However, if he fails to deliver, the management might consider replacing him.