Stoichkov is turning Sundowns around

By Sphiwe Hlongane

Mamelodi Sundowns have once again stumbled at the final hurdle of the Absa Premiership, but there are some positives to be taken frm their showing in this past season.

The arrival of world renowned Hristo Stoichkove, and the signing of a few quality players proved to be the spark the Brazilians were missing in recent years. They managed to push eventual champions SuperSport United to the limit and earned themselves second place in the league, in the process gaining entry into the lucrative African Champions League.

Whatever changes Stoichkov introduced to Sundowns, they appear to have done the trick.

Prior to his arrival the men from Chloorkop were disregarded merely as a bunch of over-payed, under-performing big name players, with whispers that club president Patrice Motsepe was fast losing patience with them.

Now it seems as if the glory days are coming back to Chloorkop, starting with the upcoming Telkom Knockout Challenge where Sundowns were drawn against the unpredictable Free state Stars.

Sundowns are now playing with more purpose and their players are looking hungry for success; their league finish and the inclusion of nine of their players in the Bafana Bafana squad — currently at a training camp in Brazil — is testimony to a change in the teams fortunes. In fact, it can be argued that they should have had more players in the squad, with Matthew Pattison and Brian Baloyi unlucky not to be called up.

I must admit, i had my doubts about Stoichkov as coach of Sundowns considering his patchy track record as a coach. But the former Barcelona and Bulgeria star proved my sentiments wrong and it looks like he is just the right man to get Brazillians.

However, he will have to reign in his fiery temper if he is to have any chance of leading the Brazilians to success in the league.