Attention to detail, according to Rulani Mokwena, is a way of life at Sundowns.

 

                                                      Image credit: iDiski Times Twitter

Paying attention to detail, it seems, has been a way of life at Mamelodi Sundowns, since the days of Pitso Mosimane, if Rulani Mokwena’s comments are anything to go by.

Making full use of advancements in modern football has seen Sundowns become a dominant force, without any peers in South African football, having already wrapped up the league, their sixth title in a row, with seven matches still to play.

Top teams around the world; make use of performance analysts, including video and data analysts, and scientists to break down small details about their opponents, as well as their own performances to help them gain an advantage over their rivals.

With football fast become a game of small margins when it comes to the gap between big and small teams, as Morocco showed the world during Qatar 2022, small details have become the difference between winning or losing a game, it is in that spirit that Sundowns have been slowly building their success both in local and continental football.

By the time the Brazilians discover their Caf Champions League quarterfinal opponents on Wednesday 05 April, they will already know what to expect from them.

"It's just the culture of the club. It's the culture that was created before I was appointed, and it's one that I have a responsibility to try and carry on," said Mokwena as quoted by SABC Sport. Football, Cricket, and All Sports Latest News - SABC Sport

"We are a team that believes in excellence, but that is only bred through preparation and consistency, so delegating four of our analysts to travel, go, and scout and assess the Champions League opponents is just something that was done even prior to my appointment as head coach.

"It's something that has helped the club achieve good results in the past in the Champions League, so our responsibility is to try and continue that way.

"As I said, it's just a Sundowns culture and it would be ill of me to take credit for that.

 "We have four analysts out at the Raja [Casablanca] game yesterday [Saturday], Wydad... From the top of my head, I can't give you the exact matches but I know they'll give me documentation of six of the eight quarterfinalists.”

Mokwena on comparisons between the current Downs side and the class of 2016:

"It's a group that has to be given fair opportunities to be able to make their own mark and write their own history, and create their own legacy in the club," he defended.

"And just like the squad that delivered the Champions League [in 2016], before delivering the trophy, I can remember how many times we tried and eventually, even when we did win the Champions League – if you remember, we were eliminated.

"So, you had to be fair to that group, and you have to be fair to this group, and give them its fair amount of support and chance to be able to live its own football story. 

"I strongly believe this team and group of players eventually will win the Champions League. When will it happen? I can't play God, but I know that every single day we work towards this objective."