Tiyani Mabunda has relived some of his most memorable moments in a Mamelodi Sundowns shirt and says he is now itching to return to the pitch.
The Premier Soccer League has been on hold for more than two months now because of Covid-19, but players have been keeping fit through online sessions.
It’s given ‘Sugar’ time to reflect.
“I have played against some of the biggest teams in the world and on the continent and that’s really a great feeling to have gone up against Barcelona, Zamalek, Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca – those are the games you cherish because they bring the best out of you because you dig deep and exhaust all the efforts that you have,” explains the midfielder
“I have something to be proud of. I have special moments against each of those teams. The first game I played against Al Ahly we won 5-0, which is memorable because it has never happened that they would lose by such a big margin. We rewrote history. With Zamalek, I was able to get my goal back after my first CAF Champions League goal was annulled (against ES Setif) and Zamalek are the team we beat in the final. We’ve also built such a great relationship with Wydad and their fans.”
Sundowns winning the Champions League in 2016 gave them passage to the Fifa Club World Cup in Japan later that year.
“Playing in Japan at the Fifa Club World Cup was a great blessing for me. It could have only been by God’s grace to participate at the highest level. It’s something to cherish and something I will never forget,” says Mabunda.
“I’ve learnt throughout my career that it is not just talent that will get you there, but it also required a lot of hard work, especially if you remember our journey to getting to the Club World Cup. We learnt that it’s not about individual brilliance, it’s about team work at that level and being able to realise the moments you have to take as a team. It really built us not only as footballers, but as human beings.”
As all clubs await the greenlight from the PSL on resuming play, Mabunda hopes Sundowns can make it a record 10th league title.
“We have been through a difficult time with the pandemic and the lockdown, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We look forward to returning to the field of play because that is who we are and what we stand for. We want to continue where we left off, but we really needed this rest,” says the 32-year-old.
“For the first time in seven years we have had time to rest. So I am looking forward to restarting the engine and playing high intensity football. We are geared up to retain our title. I believe the boys are ready and want to also celebrate the club turning 50 years.”
I tnk de departure of Ben 10 giv Shugar chance 2 shine since then he never disappoint scores sum beautiful goals his combination wit Hlopho was outstandin,off de field he leads by example always supportin his teammates a leader in singin afta our games I like 2 say keep it up player God well bless u we really lov u @ Downs
Yes, it’s been quite a long break which was no doubt one we need so bad.
Reality is, intensity football requires total match fit players and it really won’t be easy when we return, so i do expect some slow start.
#WeAreSundowns
It’s a good thing because we really need him
We definitely needed the rest… Every cloud has a silver lining…. Can’t wait for the league to restart. I see a rumor that we offered R17 for Wits players… In my opinion we only need Mona inre from Wits… But anyway the technical team knows best. Perhaps we can get Erasmus too.
The guy that always give his best when given a chance. When. I first watch him I thought he was left footed because of his ability to shoot
#the sky is the
Patience is really a virtue, I mean like “sugar” was loaned to other team when he came to mamelodi sundowns, he came to sundowns with the likes of Rodney Ramagalela he surely had to wait for his chance by being patient. He really is an inspiration to all our players who feel sidelined, they have to believe in the philosophy of our beloved coach❤, if sugar was able to do it they can also do it.. 👆👆👆
We love him because he’s still young and he’s taking care of his lifestyle
I hope you get more game time when PSL resumes. Your presence is definitely felt in the pitch. #Masandawana. 👆👆👆👆
You have a discipline man that is why today you still continue doing that beautiful colour
He is one of the good and disciplined players that we have in mamelodi Sundowns we really miss his play.
Sugar Mabunda!👆👆
Can’t wait to enjoy watching a beautiful football from my yellow family
Keep on doing good work guys ,all the best
U are a hard worker & very disciplined
Plz encourage young
sters