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Sundowns feeling the pressure

Pretoria - Ahead of the kick-off to the 2014/15 ABSA Premiership season, Mamelodi Sundowns winger Lebohang Mokoena has admitted that the Brazilians are under pressure to live up to expectations following their triumph last season.  

The reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions will commence their title defence against Maritzburg United at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday night.

“Cheese-Boy” hinted that it will be heavy to wear the Sundowns jersey this season, especially for their new recruits, but he believes the senior players at the Chloorkop camp will do a better job to help them adjust.

“There is a lot of pressure, especially playing for Mamelodi Sundowns,” said Mokoena.

“Especially for the new signings, they just need to adjust to the pressure as well. Supporters want to see us getting the results in each and every game. A loss is something not expected from us. There is always so much at stake. The senior players are doing a good job by motivating the new guys in camp.”

Heading into their opening league clash, Pitso Mosimane’s charges are coming off a disappointing 2-1 MTN8 quarter-final defeat to Platinum Stars last weekend.

But the former Orlando Pirates man said although they were hoping to at least do well in every competition on offer, they have to move on and switch their focus to the league.

"Yes, we were hoping to make a good start to the season with the MTN8. We were hoping to win whatever cup available. But that’s in the past now, we need to continue with our next match. We have already lost one cup now and I just hope we can start off with three points and see where we'll end up."

Mokoena will not be part of Friday’s clash due to a shoulder injury.   

The match will commence at 20:00.
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