‘No one is going to feel sorry for us’

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena believes there is no groan about their taxing fixtures programme that has evidently diluted their fluidity.

Sundowns are having it rough that they have played six games in 17 days.

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They are now faced with playing up to 15 matches in the next six weeks should they reach both the finals of the CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup.

The next fixture on their menu is in Tunis against Esperance on Saturday in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with travel to the North African country a long trip.

Surely, this is having mental strain as much as it has been a physical challenge.

"The most important thing is that no one is going to feel sorry for us," says Mokwena.

"We have to continue to represent this club in the best way that we can.

"We do it for our families, we do it for the supporters, and we sacrifice for them.

"We were training on Sunday, and we played a match on Monday and then tomorrow (Tuesday) we are travelling on an 11–12-hour flight.

"Then on Saturday, we are playing, and we must come back and play against Sekhukhune (on Tuesday).

"Who is going to feel sorry for us?

"Nobody is going to feel sorry for us so we have to man up and do the best that we can.

"That, unfortunately, is what our lives are about," says Mokwena. 

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The Brazilians have nine league games remaining plus at least one Nedbank Cup (which could become two if they reach the final) then at least two in the CAF Champions League (which could become four if they to the final).

If they play both finals, then it will be a season of 60 games through a campaign in which they also had