Xenophobic attacks forces Sundowns to send players for counselling

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has admitted that the mood in his squad is "tense" due to the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Shops owned by foreigners have been attacked in the last few days with the violence escalating particularly in the Gauteng region.

Ahead of their CAF Champions League game in Seychelles, Mosimane has revealed that they intend on bring in professionals to help the players prepare for the clash this weekend.

"We can't take it for granted that everything will be alright and leave it like that," Mosimane told the Daily Sun.

"It's up to us as a club to come out and denounce this barbaric attack that has left many scared, violated and fearing for their lives.

"We'll hold counselling sessions with the players and their families to make them aware of the situation."

The Brazilians are scheduled to face Cote d'Or FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League first round on Saturday.

The Masandawana mentor said the foreign players in his squad have felt uneasy as they have seen others getting injured and some losing their lives during the ongoing riots.

Mosimane continued: "As Sundowns, we want to put these measures in place to make sure we don't have problems going forward, especially when we go out of the country.

"The mood in the camp is tense and you never know what the players are thinking. We can't blame them.

"This is not just about the club, it’s about the players and their families."

- TeamTalk Media