AFTER a lengthy recess, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens, wants last year's dedication from his charges as they resume the 2011/12 league campaign against AmaZulu in Durban tonight.
"If it were up to me I would have preferred that we didn't take the break because of the way the team was playing," Neeskens said.
"The friendly matches we've played won't count because we are now starting from scratch, but so does everyone. So it's not just us.
"We have to continue from where we left off last year by getting a good start. This is important."
Sundowns top the standings with 31 points after 15 matches, and have targeted a winning start over Usuthu to lay the foundation for their ambitions to finish tops in May.
"I know AmaZulu and how they play, especially playing them at their home, they won't make it easy for us.
Neeskens had brought out the best in midfielder Teko Modise, who fitted well with the club and was magnificent in helping the side to top the table in December.
"I knew he was a special player when I saw him at the start of the season. I showed him mutual respect," Neeskens said.
"But it's not just Teko - respect is the same with all the players in the squad.
Also on display will be SA Under-23 midfield gem Themba Zwane and the league's leading scorer, striker Katlego Mphela.
Second-placed Pretoria neighbours SuperSport United have a crunch home fixture against plucky Free State Stars in Atteridgeville.
United are three points adrift of Sundowns, having endured a slump two months ago and have now lost a key player in Anthony Laffor, who moved to Sundowns in the transfer window.
Stars have been a well-oiled machine under Steve Komphela this season and will look to improve their current sixth place on the log.
Defending league champions Orlando Pirates have had a mixed season, with erratic form, despite having won both the cup trophies.
Pirates take on Black Leo-pards at Orlando Stadium, aiming to close the gap at the top of the standings.
They are fifth on 24 points, with a quality squad but many championship distractions, such as the Caf Champions League competition starting this weekend.
Coach Julio Leal's selection policy and strategic approach will be crucial in their title defence.
In other games today, Swallows host Santos in Dobsonville; , while Bloemfontein Celtic tackle Golden Arrows at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.
In Cape Town, Ajax Cape Town take on Platinum Stars, with Bidvest Wits facing Maritzburg United in Johannesburg.
Downs aim for PSL title
AFTER a lengthy recess, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens, wants last year's dedication from his charges as they resume the 2011/12 league campaign against AmaZulu in Durban tonight.
"If it were up to me I would have preferred that we didn't take the break because of the way the team was playing," Neeskens said.
"The friendly matches we've played won't count because we are now starting from scratch, but so does everyone. So it's not just us.
"We have to continue from where we left off last year by getting a good start. This is important."
Sundowns top the standings with 31 points after 15 matches, and have targeted a winning start over Usuthu to lay the foundation for their ambitions to finish tops in May.
"I know AmaZulu and how they play, especially playing them at their home, they won't make it easy for us.
Neeskens had brought out the best in midfielder Teko Modise, who fitted well with the club and was magnificent in helping the side to top the table in December.
"I knew he was a special player when I saw him at the start of the season. I showed him mutual respect," Neeskens said.
"But it's not just Teko - respect is the same with all the players in the squad.
Also on display will be SA Under-23 midfield gem Themba Zwane and the league's leading scorer, striker Katlego Mphela.
Second-placed Pretoria neighbours SuperSport United have a crunch home fixture against plucky Free State Stars in Atteridgeville.
United are three points adrift of Sundowns, having endured a slump two months ago and have now lost a key player in Anthony Laffor, who moved to Sundowns in the transfer window.
Stars have been a well-oiled machine under Steve Komphela this season and will look to improve their current sixth place on the log.
Defending league champions Orlando Pirates have had a mixed season, with erratic form, despite having won both the cup trophies.
Pirates take on Black Leo-pards at Orlando Stadium, aiming to close the gap at the top of the standings.
They are fifth on 24 points, with a quality squad but many championship distractions, such as the Caf Champions League competition starting this weekend.
Coach Julio Leal's selection policy and strategic approach will be crucial in their title defence.
In other games today, Swallows host Santos in Dobsonville; , while Bloemfontein Celtic tackle Golden Arrows at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.
In Cape Town, Ajax Cape Town take on Platinum Stars, with Bidvest Wits facing Maritzburg United in Johannesburg.
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