Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Lebohang Mokoena, has heaped praise on coach Pitso Mosimane for transforming the once under-performing Brazilians into winners.
In two-and-a-half seasons Mosimane has managed to end a seven-year trophy drought - guiding Sundowns to the Premiership title in his first season and the Nedbank Cup in his second.
Mokoena feels their performances in recent seasons have helped reclaim the respect of their peers, thanks in no small part to the fastidious work of Mosimane.
"Before Coach Pitso came on board, the team was not winning trophies. He came in and instilled that sense of belief," Mokoena told Soccer Laduma.
"Everybody saw the results when we won the league title as well as the 2015 Nedbank Cup.
"Despite not being able to defend our league title last season, winning the Nedbank Cup also serves as a motivational factor going into the new season.
"Obviously the coach is going to demand more now! He is the kind of coach who always wants to win, works hard and is dedicated to football."