Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has commended his youngsters after displaying a solid performance during a friendly match against Al Hilal, whilst also reserving praise for one of the club's new additions.
Sundowns paraded several youngsters, including their new signing Arthur de Oliveira from Brazil, during the match against Al Hilal.
The Brazilians finished their pre-season tour in Austria on a high note when they beat the Saudi Pro League side by 2-1 on Friday.
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Masandawana go into the new season with major changes in their technical team after the departure of Rulani Mokwena.
Mngqithi, Steve Komphela and Romain Folz make up the Brazilian technical team for the 2024/25 season.
The league's defending champions open their PSL calendar with an MTN8 fixture against Polokwane City at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on August 11.
"I was impressed with the group that started. We had a lot of youngsters in that team. I think Kutlwano [Letlhaku] had a good game, Thando [Buthelezi] had a good game, Lesiba [Nku] on the left as the fullback was phenomenal, Zuko [Mdunyelwa] was phenomenal and I think Mali [Malibongwe Khoza] was also outstanding," reflected Mngqithi after the match.
"It was good to see these youngsters against big opponents, and starting the game for that matter, not even coming [on] late because I wanted to see them [playing] under pressure.
"I was also impressed with [Arthur] Sales coming [on] in that match because we wanted to see what he can give us. His conditioning is not at our level in terms of intensity, but the work he is putting in is very clinical and we believe we are going to benefit a lot from him.
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"I must also say I was impressed by Kodi [Kobamelo Kodisang] at right wing, I think he was influential and was unlucky not to score. The goalkeepers also didn't let us down. I think Sanele [Tshabalala] had a very good game. I was impressed when he continued in the second half, and our build-up was good," added the head coach.