Ndlovu, crowned Sundowns’ top scorer for the 2001-08 season, re-joined the Brazilians at the start of the just-ended season as a manager. Mosimane said this week the presence of the former Zimbabwe captain had, with his knowledge and experience in the game, partly helped the club cement its status as South Africa’s most successful club in terms of league glory, with a total six PSL championships.
“Ndlovu played for years in England and that helped him gain a lot of knowledge in the game, which he transmitted to us this season,” said Mosimane. “He really brought some magic into the team and the technical team, with him present, was magnificent throughout the season. We worked with unity and supported one another to make sure Sundowns became the champions.”
Mosimane also praised his 16 signings, who included Zimbabwe national team players Cuthbert Malajila and Khama Billiat, for adding grit to a side that endured some years of near-misses as SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs exchanged chances on the winners’ podium.
Malajila was the club’s second top scorer with six goals, just a goal adrift of Katlego Mashego, who top scored for the Pretoria-based club. But the Zimbabwean star was dogged by injuries that prevented him from winning the Golden Boot award that eventually went to Kaizer Chiefs’ Benard Parker, who scored 10 goals.
The Brazilians won the championship after seven years of trying. The former South African national team coach won it in his debut season, beating the record of even more illustrious names such as Dutch legend Johan Neeskens.
“I’m glad our hard work, patience and faith finally paid off. There were times when the team went through a rough patch and some people almost gave up, but club president Patrice Motsepe kept telling us that we must believe in ourselves and that motivated us a lot,” added Mosimane.
Post published in: Football