Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coach Rulani Mokwena has suggested playing a full-strength squad against La Passe over two legs is part of the mindset of looking to challenge for the CAF Champions League title.
After failing to register a shot on target in the 0-0 draw to Orlando Pirates in the previous game, Sundowns hit seven past the Seychelles champions which ticked the proverbial boxes for the technical team.
In what could be a moral boosting tie for bigger challenges this season as they challenge for every trophy on offer on the domestic front and in Africa, Mokwena denied they will now look to heavily rotate their side for the second leg with a seven-goal lead, as they continue to select the starting eleven on what they state is purely a meritocratic process.
“We can’t complain about which opposition and how many rounds [we play], but at the end of the day what’s important it’s about how we apply and prepare ourselves,” he said after the 7-0 win over La Passe.
“Clearly and obviously with the ambition that we have and the desire to go very, very far and in fact [to] challenge for the Champions League this season, we are gonna meet even [more] stern and difficult oppositions than this [and that’s when] the habits must kick in.
“Habits come from games, and training sessions and we always try our best to be at this optimum level where we can always look to give our best on the pitch.”
Sundowns will host the minnow for the return leg at the same venue on Friday afternoon at 18h00 – after they agreed to play both legs in South Africa due to their home ground not meeting the requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
