Sundowns coach Mosimane believes local is lekker despite signing Brazilian defender

28 June 2016 - 17:42 By Chumani Bambani

Mamelodi Sundowns may have unveiled Brazilian defender Ricardo Nascimento as their latest recruit but if coach Pitso Mosimane had things his way‚ he would bring more South African players to the reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions. Downs announced the newest member of the team, Ricardo Nascimento, late on Monday as a replacement for ex-captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele who has joined rivals Kaizer Chiefs.Despite backing his new recruit‚ Mosimane still believes that local is lekker and hopes to add more South African-born players to his squad.“We are not going to sign just because we have to sign. It has to be at the right level and quality‚” the Brazilians coach said.“If there is a Brazilian then there is a Brazilian‚ there is nothing wrong with that if we need to reinforce. (But) if I could have it my way‚ I’d love to have more South Africans in the team.” Although Mosimane would not divulge which players his side was targeting‚ the coach emphasised the areas he was looking to bolster in the team.“The last three transfers we’ve only signed three players. This is the fourth window now and people will start asking what’s happening with this team‚ ‘when are you unveiling those jerseys like you used to do?’‚” said Mosimane.“We are going to reinforce the team – at the back we need one more defender because we lost Rama (Mphahlele)‚ so we are going to bring one."We knew we were going to lose one. I believe we need one more in attack. Even though (Tiyani) Mabunda shows that he wants to take (Bongani) Zungu’s position‚ I still think we need one more to strengthen and keep them on their toes.“Maybe a right back also‚ I’m not sure… The one part I know we don’t have to reinforce is the goalkeeper.” The Brazilians are also looking at making use of some of their players who have been loaned out to other clubs over the past few seasons.Mosimane further stressed the crucial role played by academies at clubs and the importance of backing the youth by rewarding them with places in the senior teams.Motjeka Madisha‚ who was on loan last season and helped Highlands Park to promotion from the National First Division to the PSL‚ and Percy Tau‚ who also featured in the NFD for Witbank Spurs on loan‚ could be on their way back to Chloorkop for the upcoming season.“We are trying to bring up a few guys. You can see I’ve brought Madisha back. Hopefully he stays as he might think ‘coach‚ I still have a little chance to play for Highlands’‚” Mosimane said.“Percy is back. We need to give the younger ones‚ players who come from our academy‚ a chance. Let’s give them an opportunity‚ hope to say from the academy we can be promoted.“What people don’t understand is that it is easy when you come from Ajax‚ you can go to the senior team directly. It’s different at Sundowns‚ maybe you will first need to go on loan and come back. But still when you come back you are not guaranteed a place because the team is stronger.”- TMG Digital..

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