Mamelodi Sundowns utility-man Thapelo Morena admits it’s been a challenging campaign as they approach 30 games at the halfway mark of the season.
Sundowns are set to host Moroka Swallows on Wednesday, which marks their 13th league game but with domestic cup, CAF Champions League and African Football League fixtures, they have amassed 28 games across all competitions.
While they hold an impressive squad with depth unrivalled in South African football, Morena says the relentless scheduling of fixtures does eventually take its toll on them.
The squad dropped their first league points in the 2023/24 season with the goalless draw against Cape Town City over the weekend, ending their record 11-match winning start.
“It’s been really hectic but very good to spend a day with the family,” Morena said ahead of the Swallows game at Loftus Versfeld.
“It’s a bit of a difficult one [to prepare during the festive season] but we are professionals, we know how it is, the second day after the game, from Christmas mode, being tired of travelling and all these games.
“So preparations are going very well, we just need to focus on the next game against Swallows and make sure we deliver.”
“It’s going to be a very interesting one, a difficult one, knowing there are certain elements they use, the energy, the aggression [will be tough], it’s the second day from their [last] game and tomorrow it’s matchday.
“So also we might have a very difficult one with energy but we’ll make sure we give our level best. It will be a great game, we want to win. Tomorrow will be 29 games in five months, it’s a whole season.”
Sundowns hold a five-point lead over second-placed SuperSport United with three games in hand.