Mamelodi Sundowns off Field Issues and Their Performance So Far This Season

• Mamelodi Sundowns have put up questionable performance in all competitions since the start of the season
• There have been talks about the club's off-field issues impacting their performance so far this campaign
• A sports journalist shared his thoughts with Briefly News concerning the problems ongoing at Masandawana

Mamelodi Sundowns are currently facing different off-field problems this season, and it’s affecting their performance on the pitch.

The Brazilians were knocked out of the MTN8 competition after losing to Orlando Pirates in the semi-final, with the first and second legs ending in a 1-1 draw, before losing 4-1 on penalties at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.

Miguel Cardoso said after the match that their off-field issues are not having any impact on the performance of the players on the pitch, but a sports journalist has disagreed with the Portuguese tactician.

Sundowns' off-field issues and their performance

Sports journalist, Moses Mbogo, in an exclusive chat with Briefly News, shared his thoughts on Sundowns' performance so far this season, and how the off-field issues are starting to show on the pitch.

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The Premier Soccer League giants are presently being dragged to FIFA by Lucas Ribeiro Costa over a contract dispute, with the player wanting to leave.

Kutlwano Letlhaku's agent is also giving the club problems, with his client wanting a move, while they are also in court with former coach Pitso Mosimane over an agent fee issue.

"Many might think Mamelodi Sundowns are doing well this season. By other teams' standards, that would be right, but if we judge them by the standard they've set over the seasons, then this start to the campaign is questionable," he said.

"Technically, they are not losing games, but if you watch closely, they tend to struggle to get wins, and their latest performance against the Bucs has put them more in the spotlight.

"Cardoso can say off-field issues are not affecting their performance on the pitch — he’s paid to say that to the media, but back-end problems are obviously affecting their performance."

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Cardoso denies off-field distractions are affecting Sundowns' start

Mbogo went on to explain how the off-field issues are affecting Sundowns this season.

"Even the missing connection between Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro, which was strong last season but absent so far this term, shows how off-field issues are affecting them," he added.

"The Brazilian was the best player in the South African league last campaign while forming a good partnership with the Bafana Bafana striker, but that’s not there anymore. With Cardoso trying to fit Arthur Sales into that position, it will take a little while for the connection to click.

"Another issue is some of the current players thinking about whether they would be treated the same whenever they wish to leave the club in the future."

Ex-Pirates star joins Sundowns

Briefly News earlier reported a former Orlando Pirates star has joined Mamelodi Sundowns this summer.

The ex-Ajax Cape Towns star left a Premier Soccer League side to join the Betway Premiership champion

Source: Briefly News