MAMELODI Sundowns wasted no time in getting their training campaign in Zimbabwe underway at the weekend, literally getting off the plane in Bulawayo and onto the pitch for the first of three planned friendlies.
The Premiership champions got off to a successful start with 1-0 win over home town favourites Highlanders in a match played behind closed doors because it was not sanctioned by Zimbabwe's Premier Soccer League.
Katlego Mashego scored the only goal from the penalty spot shortly after half time.
The Brazilians arrived on Saturday at around midday, had a brief lunch and then headed to Barbourfields for their game against the current leaders of the Zimbabwe PSL. Sundowns have further matches scheduled against CAPS United and Dynamos.
They will return home to compete in the Gauteng Sports Challenge at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday.
They also play in the four-team tournament in Cape Town on July 25 and 27.
This is the fourth time in 18 months that coach Pitso Mosimane has taken his squad beyond South Africa's borders for preparation. They were in Zimbabwe in January 2013 followed by a trip to Ghana this time last year. Six months ago, Sundowns played a series of matches in Zambia when the PSL season was on hold for the African Nations Championship tournament in Cape Town in January.
Mosimane has long told reporters: "You have to go to Africa to get mentally stronger. We trained on the same pitches they train on, we did not ask for any special treatment and it taught my players a few things."
Sundowns had been hoping to go to Nigeria this month but were warned off by security risks.
Downs take on Zimbabwe clubs
MAMELODI Sundowns wasted no time in getting their training campaign in Zimbabwe underway at the weekend, literally getting off the plane in Bulawayo and onto the pitch for the first of three planned friendlies.
The Premiership champions got off to a successful start with 1-0 win over home town favourites Highlanders in a match played behind closed doors because it was not sanctioned by Zimbabwe's Premier Soccer League.
Katlego Mashego scored the only goal from the penalty spot shortly after half time.
The Brazilians arrived on Saturday at around midday, had a brief lunch and then headed to Barbourfields for their game against the current leaders of the Zimbabwe PSL. Sundowns have further matches scheduled against CAPS United and Dynamos.
They will return home to compete in the Gauteng Sports Challenge at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday.
They also play in the four-team tournament in Cape Town on July 25 and 27.
This is the fourth time in 18 months that coach Pitso Mosimane has taken his squad beyond South Africa's borders for preparation. They were in Zimbabwe in January 2013 followed by a trip to Ghana this time last year. Six months ago, Sundowns played a series of matches in Zambia when the PSL season was on hold for the African Nations Championship tournament in Cape Town in January.
Mosimane has long told reporters: "You have to go to Africa to get mentally stronger. We trained on the same pitches they train on, we did not ask for any special treatment and it taught my players a few things."
Sundowns had been hoping to go to Nigeria this month but were warned off by security risks.
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