Mamelodi Sundowns Sporting Director Flemming Berg and Mamelodi Sundowns Chairman Tlhopane Motsepe during the Mamelodi Sundowns - Press Conference at Chloorkop on 04 April 2022 © Sydney Mahlangu /BackpagePix
Sundowns Manager Reveals the Secret to His Team’s Winning Formula
Over the past few seasons, Mamelodi Sundowns has emerged as the dominant force in South African football, capturing multiple league titles and consistently performing well in both domestic and continental competitions. This sustained success has not only earned the admiration of fans but also cemented the club’s status as one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses. While many factors contribute to a winning team, much of the credit must go to Sundowns’ manager, who recently opened up about the secrets behind his team’s phenomenal success.
In a candid interview, Sundowns manager, Rulani Mokwena, shared the strategies and philosophies that have propelled his team to the top, offering insights into the mindset, work ethic, and tactical approach that have made Sundowns nearly unstoppable.
At the heart of Sundowns’ success is a strong, winning culture that has been cultivated over time. Mokwena emphasized that building this culture did not happen overnight but has been a gradual process that started long before he took the reins. The club’s philosophy of excellence is embedded in every aspect of their operations, from the boardroom to the pitch.
“We’ve created an environment where winning is the standard, not the exception,” Mokwena said. “But it’s not just about winning games—it’s about how we win them. We want to dominate in every aspect of the match, from possession to tactical discipline, and that starts with setting high standards across the board.”
This culture of excellence is not only focused on performance during matches but also extends to how players conduct themselves in training, their professionalism off the field, and their mental approach to the game. Sundowns has established a system where every player understands that success is a collective effort, and each person plays a crucial role in maintaining the club’s high standards.
One of the standout features of Sundowns under Mokwena’s leadership is their tactical versatility. The team has become known for its ability to adapt to different opponents and situations, whether in the fast-paced environment of the South African Premier Division or in the high-pressure matches of the CAF Champions League. According to Mokwena, this tactical flexibility is one of the key reasons for their continued success.
“Tactics are important, but what’s even more important is being able to adjust,” he explained. “Football is unpredictable, and each game presents its own unique challenges. That’s why we spend so much time studying our opponents, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and preparing different game plans depending on who we’re facing.”
Mokwena emphasized that Sundowns is not wedded to one particular style of play, which is what keeps them ahead of the competition. While they are often lauded for their possession-based approach and fluid attacking movements, the team is also capable of playing a more defensive, counter-attacking style when necessary. This flexibility allows them to adapt to different tactical situations and manage games effectively, whether they need to break down a low-block defense or withstand heavy pressure from stronger opponents.
This adaptability is largely thanks to the depth and quality of the squad. Mokwena has the luxury of rotating players without sacrificing the team’s overall performance. The depth of talent at Sundowns ensures that they can maintain a high level of consistency across all competitions, even when facing fixture congestion or dealing with injuries.
Another critical element of Sundowns’ success is their use of data and technology to gain a competitive edge. Football has increasingly become a numbers game, and Mokwena has fully embraced this trend. Sundowns has invested heavily in analytics, using advanced data analysis to inform everything from player recruitment to tactical decisions on matchdays.
“We rely on data to make better decisions,” Mokwena said. “It helps us understand our own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of our opponents. Whether it’s tracking player fitness levels, analyzing patterns in how teams play, or identifying areas where we can improve, data is a massive part of our success.”
Mokwena explained that Sundowns’ backroom staff includes a team of analysts who work tirelessly to collect and interpret data on both their own team and their opponents. This information is then used to craft game plans and fine-tune strategies. It also plays a significant role in player development, allowing coaches to monitor individual performances and tailor training programs to meet specific needs.
This data-driven approach is a major reason why Sundowns can maintain their high standards, week in and week out. It allows the coaching staff to spot problems before they become serious issues and gives them the tools to continuously improve both individual players and the team as a whole.
While tactics and data are important, Mokwena is quick to point out that the psychological side of the game is just as crucial. Sundowns’ ability to handle pressure, particularly in high-stakes matches, has been a defining feature of their success in recent years. Whether they’re competing in a domestic cup final or facing tough opposition in the CAF Champions League, the team has shown remarkable mental toughness.
“Mental strength is something we work on every day,” Mokwena said. “It’s not enough to be physically fit or tactically sound; you also need the right mindset to win consistently. We talk a lot about resilience, about staying focused no matter what challenges we face. That’s what separates good teams from great teams.”
Mokwena has fostered a strong sense of unity and camaraderie within the squad, which he believes is essential to their success. Players know that they are playing not just for themselves, but for each other, and that collective spirit is what drives them to push through difficult moments.
“We are a family,” Mokwena added. “There’s a strong bond in this team, and that helps us stay together when things get tough. Everyone supports each other, and that makes a huge difference when you’re competing at the highest level.”
Looking ahead, Mokwena is confident that Sundowns can maintain their winning ways for the foreseeable future. He acknowledged that while the competition is getting tougher, especially with other teams investing in top talent, Sundowns’ commitment to continuous improvement will keep them ahead of the curve.
“We know we can’t rest on our laurels,” he said. “The moment you get comfortable, that’s when you start to slip. We’re always looking for ways to get better, whether it’s improving our tactical approach, developing our younger players, or finding new ways to use technology. That’s the mindset that will keep us at the top.”
As Sundowns continues to dominate South African football, it’s clear that the club’s success is no accident. Under the guidance of Mokwena, the team has developed a winning formula that combines tactical intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and a strong team spirit. With this foundation in place, Sundowns looks set to remain a powerhouse for years to come.
