It’s the league title or the highway for Habas

Winning the league is Antonio Lopez Habas’s first mandate as Mamelodi Sundowns coach, he can then activate the clause in his contract of renewing for an extra year. Last year Hristo Stoichkov failed to deliver. Many expected him to win the league when the team started winning and disposing the big guns, especially after the early draws. But the way they collapsed at the end of the season convinced the president, Patrice Motsepe, that Stoichkov was not the right man for the job.

Amid all the drama of being fired along with Stoichkov last season, Habas, who was an assistant coach then, has been re-hired as the head coach. Apparently Sundowns players were so impressed with his coaching style and training methods that I think they demanded he come back as the main man this time. Habas is a former Spanish football central defender. He has been in the game since 1976, first as a player then as a coach from 1990. So he brings with him lots of experience and so much will be expected of him to bring that experience to the fore.

In attempting to stop SuperSport United from running away with the league again, for the fourth time in a row, a blank cheque book was opened. Millions were splashed in bringing in Richard Henyekane (from Golden Arrows), Nyasha Mushekwi, Method Mwanjali, Lionel Mtizwa (all from Caps United in Zimbabwe) and Thapelo Tshilo (from Cosmos). Attention has also been turned to players from the development team to supplement the current squad. Spending lots of money brings with it huge expectations and lots of media attention. Though press coverage is welcome, as it will help grow the brand, the league title and a few trophies have to be delivered at Chloorkop for them not to turn into a laughing stock.

Regardless of the new arrivals though, Sundowns have retained the experienced and highly talented squad they had from last year. The fact that Katlego Mphela will be staying is a huge boost. He was the league’s leading marksman last season and with the right kind of supply he can be deadly in the box. His new-found status as Bafana’s number-one striker means he is also beaming with lots of confidence.

The spine of the team is still strong — Brian Baloyi and Calvin Marlin in goal, Matthew Booth in central defence, Esrom Nyandoro and Matthew Patteson in midfield and the attacking trio of Mphela, Elias Pelembe and Lebohang Mokoena. These players will be key once again if Sundowns are to win the league. So far he has largely picked the same team his predecessor used to field in almost all their games last season. So far the signs have not been good: played two, lost two, both cup competitions (Telkom and MTN8).

Ultimately, with one of the biggest squads in the league, the coach’s toughest task could be to trim down his players so that everyone can get some playing time. There were noises of discontent last season during the Stoichkov reign. Habas has to deal with this immediately and focus on a collective goal. The foundations are looking perfect for Habas, it is down to him to make sure that the players understand what he wants of them on the soccer pitch. He has enough experienced players and talent to construct a successful team to conquer all. The team also has the strength to challenge SuperSport’s grip on the title and to fight off Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Winning the league is first priority, then he can think of signing that lucrative contract for an extra year.