Mosimane calls for patience

New Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes the club needs time to get out of their slump and has refused to set short-term goals.

In his first press conference since taking over from Johan Neeskens, who was sacked earlier this week, Mosimane said: “I am here to help Sundowns and to stabilise the team. I would also like to see Sundowns in a better position (in the league standings).

“I think we all know that Sundowns deserve to be in a better position and I think the family of Mamelodi Sundowns deserves that respect.

“I need time to turn things in the team around. Rome was not built in one day and if you look at the last five years, it has been a little bit difficult for Downs.”

Mosimane has not worked since the South African national team fired him in June and said he is honoured to return to top-flight management.

“I feel very humbled and privileged,” Mosimane said.

The Sundowns, second from bottom in the Premier Soccer League standings, have managed only two victories from their 12 league encounters this season, their worst start in the league.

“When you sign a contract at this level, we all know that it is a hot seat,” Mosimane said.

“We all know that there is pressure and stress. We always find a lot of hurdles in football and, yes, I agree that we may stumble a bit, but I believe that I have experience and knowledge of the local game.

“I believe that I inherited a very good team of individuals, the personnel is good, but as they say in football, numbers don’t lie.

“The amount of points Sundowns have won, the amount of goals scored and conceded … don’t lie. It reflects the current situation.”