Twelve years ago, Mamelodi Sundowns embarked on a signing spree that backfired.
The massive signings failed to live up to expectations as the Tshwane-based side finished that season empty-handed.
This year, the big-spending Brazilians opened their cheque book to sign 13 players, and counting. Former player Benedict Vilakazi, who was among the players who were unveiled in 2008, shared his views on the club’s latest signings.
Many feel that the 2016 African champions will relive their 2008 horror season but Vilakazi says that the new signings will strengthen the squad.
“The new players are 23, 24, 25 and 26 years old. I see them as backups for the ageing players that are above 30. To me, it’s a sign that Sundowns are building for the future. If you give them five years, they will become a strong team in Africa,” Vilakazi told Sowetan.
He rubbished the notion that Downs are signing players for the sake of it. The retired footballer feels that departed coach Pitso Mosimane, who resigned to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly last week, was planning for the future when he brought them in.
“When the coach signed these players, he was planning because in four years' time guys like Hlompho Kekana, Denis Onyango and Anthony Laffor will all be old. They bought these players to provide cover.”
The 38-year-old explained why their galaxy of stars failed to live up to expectations in 2008.
“The difference between my team and this one is we were not given a chance with a coach, like one season or two to test us. They were quick to disband the team, and it subsequently failed to deliver. We didn’t have time to gel and to get to know one another.”
Vilakazi was loaned to the now-defunct Mpumalanga Black Aces two years later.
Mosimane coached Sundowns for eight years, and Vilakazi said that was enough time to turn the club’s fortunes around.
“We came in with a new coach [Henri Michel], so everything was new, and we never had a chance. Our coach was not given a chance to build a team.”
Sundowns confirmed the signing of Kermit Erasmus, Mothobi Mvala, Grant Margeman, Jody February, Ricardo Goss, Aubrey Modiba, Peter Shalulile, Haashim Domingo, Gift Motupa, Lesedi Kapinga, George Maluleka, Khuliso Mudau and Luvuyo Phewa.
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