Head coach Rulani Mokwena has outlined his expectations ahead of his Mamelodi Sundowns side's season opener against Sekhukhune United as the reigning champions begin their title defence on Friday evening.
Sundowns will be aiming for yet another historic season by clinching a record-setting seventh consecutive DStv Premiership title.
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"We are excited because we understand how difficult it is going to be, all the games will be tough," Mokwena told the club's media.
"It's going to be a season where we are definitely going to be tested, we are the hunted this season and everyone wants to beat us. We will look forward to defending our DStv Premiership title and showing the qualities that we have as the defending champions.
"Every single match [will be played] with a lot of consistency and a lot of quality in our performances so that we can once again defend the DStv Premiership."
"All the rivals, especially the teams that finished in the top eight have made incredible investment in their squads.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS ARE OFFICIALLY CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF THE #DSTVPREM ???? pic.twitter.com/t9Z1eFy8Kf
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) May 16, 2023
After Sekhukhune, Sundowns take on Kaizer Chiefs in a blockbuster encounter on Wednesday, 9 August. The Brazilians will also meet Steve Komphela's Moroka Swallows in the quarter-finals of the MTN8.
"Kaizer Chiefs are a lot stronger this season and they are going to create a lot of problems for a lot of teams," added Mokwena.
"SuperSport [United] have made great investments. Orlando Pirates are a lot stronger and have signed some very good players. AmaZulu have got a new coach with great experience and of course a good pedigree.
"Cape Town City look a lot stronger with the players that they brought in. Sekhukhune United are strong and they finished very strong last season."
"[Moroka] Swallows finished very strong last season and they'll be a very competitive side, so all the games for us are going to be very difficult."
Sundowns' match against Sekhukhune will be played at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
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