Pitso Mosimane was a happy man after watching his much-changed side ease past rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Shell Helix Ultra Cup at the FNB Stadium over the weekend.
Left to juggle the club's pre-season buildup and their Caf Champions League campaign, Mosimane made nine changes to the side that lost to AS Togo-Port midweek but still came away with a victory.
While the 2-1 win was pleasing to fans, Mosimane was basking in the positives after handing debuts to new signing Lyle Lakay, at leftback, and academy graduate Siphelele Mkhulise, a useful midfield option.
“I was happy with the team,” said Mosimane. The Sundowns coach was particularly pleased with Lakay’s contribution after moving the wing to a defensive role.
“I was happy with Lyle. I converted him to a leftback and he did well. We had only one training session with him but he is smart and knows how to adjust.”
Mkhulise’s introduction to the first team went off without a hitch despite the quality of the opponents, another indication that he may yet have an extended role in the squad this year.
“Our youngster who comes from our academy, Siphelele Mkhulise. He is a good boy, a good player. We brought him back from loan. He’s got nice touches. He played very well,” said “Jingles”.
Another box ticked was Jeremy Brockie ending his miserable scoring drought which has plagued the Kiwi international since his arrival in January.
“I am happy with JB. He broke the ice with his goal. It’s been too long. I hope that now he has his tail up. I am very happy for him to score because I know that he is a goal scorer. Never mind that, he worked his socks off.”
Mosimane was also ready to stir up emotions heading into the new campaign with Chiefs now home to a number of former Sundowns stars, most notably influential playmaker Khama Billiat who moved in the off-season after his wage demands proved impossible to meet at Chloorkop.
The ’Downs mentor was not shy to point out the lack of bite in the Chiefs’ attack, a barb that will not go unnoticed the next time the two giants of local football meet.
“There was never really a threat for us. Our boys who are playing for Chiefs, we know their movement. This is just the beginning. This is a pre-season cup. We can’t be talking much about it.”
Sundowns face AS Togo-Port on Friday in what is now a must-win clash if they are to advance from the group stage of the Champions League.