Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has responded to speculation that the club could be facing a striker crisis in the second round of the season.
With leading striker Peter Shalulile having been ruled out of action indefinitely due to a sports hernia injury that required surgery, there have been suggestions that the Brazilians may need to look to the transfer market for more options.
However, Mokwena insists that the club are not in panic mode over the situation, as they have developed flexibility within the players in the current squad. “We’re, of course always looking to improve the squad, we’re very fortunate that we’ve developed a bit of flexibility amongst our players,” Mokwena said at a press conference.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena sends condolences to Pelè. pic.twitter.com/hyI12Uulj8
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“Where not only have we given an opportunity to a youngster like Cassius (Mailula) for example, but the flexibility has come when we’ve played Surprise Ralani as a nine, we’ve played Themba Zwane as a nine, false nine or half nine.”
The former Orlando Pirates coach was also skeptical of Sundowns signing a new striker or strikers in the January transfer window, although he did not completely rule out that possibility. “But for sure we’ll look at areas in the team and try to see whether or not we can improve and if the striking department is one of those areas we feel we can improve, we will try our level best,” he said.
“But the January market is such a difficult market because there’s also no time for adaptation but something interesting may come up and be available, so let’s wait and see.”
