Sundowns’ title setback has fuelled hunger, says Marcelo Allende

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende says losing the Betway Premiership title last season has strengthened the club’s resolve to reclaim it this campaign.

Orlando Pirates ended Sundowns’ run of eight consecutive league titles by winning the trophy for the first time since 2012.

Sundowns, who won the CAF Champions League last season, are also targeting success in South Africa’s domestic competitions after falling short locally in the previous campaign.

“It was painful [to lose the league] and I think that has helped us a little bit to get the hunger so we can get back our trophy,” Chile international Allende told Sundowns TV.

The 26-year-old said the club had set clear objectives for the current season, with the Betway Premiership among several competitions they want to win.

“We put it on target this year that we have to play and win the local competitions in South Africa,” he said.

“Last year we struggled a little bit in that path. But what I said to you we put on target to play finals and win.”

Sundowns already have the MTN8 final, Super Cup and Intercontinental on their schedule, while Allende also highlighted the importance of the league, Carling Knockout and Nedbank.

“We already have MTN8 final, Super Cup, Intercontinental, the league is also important for us, of course the Carling Knockout and Nedbank.”