A former Mamelodi Sundowns star has questioned the mentality of the side's players following a less-than-impressive Nedbank Cup showing against amateur side Mpheni Home Defenders.
The Defenders, who play in the SAFA structures in the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League, surprised last season's runners-up Sundowns by losing only by 2-0 in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
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Both goals came in the first half.
"Yesterday, Sundowns dropped their playing tempo. They seemed too relaxed," notes ex-defender Dan Semake.
"They took things too easily, and for me, there is no easy game for Sundowns. It doesn't matter what level their opponents are at.
"As a club, they still have depth, but it ultimately boils down to the mentality and attitude of the players, regardless of who is replacing someone else.
"In South Africa, we have a problem where players' attitudes change if they don't make the team several times.
"Such issues don't exist in Europe - over there, they take their jobs seriously.
"As for Mpheni Home Defenders' performance, I believe that any team playing against Sundowns doesn't need extra motivation. They step up their game," he adds.
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Asked about who he would like The Brazilians drawn against in the next stage, Semake did not mince his words.
"I wish we draw clubs like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in the quarterfinals.
"Our players' mentality automatically shifts when facing these teams. They don't even need the coach's motivation against such clubs.
"However, our performance tends to drop against smaller clubs, and I don't know why."