Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise insists club can never be underdogs

Sphelele Mkhulise says Mamelodi Sundowns will never consider themselves underdogs, regardless of the opposition or the competition for places within the squad.

The midfielder has faced an increasingly difficult battle for a starting role, with Sundowns regularly adding new players to an already competitive squad. His latest challenge came with the arrival of former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele, just as Mkhulise was attempting to establish himself in the team this season.

Rather than allowing the increased competition to affect him, Mkhulise says he remains focused on being prepared whenever his opportunity arrives.

“What can I say? It’s my job to be professional. No matter what happens, I stay professional and work hard. As you say, no matter what I do in training, sometimes I still don’t play,” he said.

“But what I do is support the gents because I know that my chance will come in the end. When the chance comes, it should find me ready to deliver as a Mamelodi Sundowns player.”

Mkhulise’s approach has been to continue working hard in training while supporting his team-mates, even when he is not selected. He also says he maintains his fitness away from the club in order to be ready when called upon by the coach.

“It’s important for me to always be ready. I work hard at training everyday. Even at home, I train, so that when the coach calls me, I must be ready to deliver and make everyone at Sundowns to be happy.”

The midfielder’s willingness to contribute beyond his own playing time reflects the mentality he associates with Sundowns. He believes the club’s leadership, coaching staff and squad mean they should approach every match with confidence.

Pirates have won the MTN8 four times in a row, but that record has not persuaded Mkhulise that Sundowns should be viewed as the weaker side.

“I think we have an advantage. As Sundowns, we can never be underdogs. We always have an advantage because we have the best leadership, the best coaches and the best players. We always have that advantage.”

Mkhulise’s influence, therefore, is not limited to the minutes he spends on the pitch. When selected, he is expected to contribute through his performances, while his support and leadership remain important to the squad when he starts on the bench.

For Mkhulise, the priority is to maintain his professionalism, continue preparing and ensure he is ready to deliver whenever his next chance comes.