Busy Mamelodi Sundowns, Bafana Bafana calendar excites Aubrey Modiba
11th February 2025
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Mamelodi Sundowns utility player Aubrey Modiba has welcomed the demanding schedule coming up for both club and country over the next few months.
While other leagues and football unions are lobbying for fewer matches, the Bafana Bafana star says he cannot wait to help Sundowns and the national team do well at the FIFA Club World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations respectively.
Sundowns will make their second appearance at the Club World Cup, while South Africa have managed to secure back-to-back qualifications to the continental tournament, with Modiba itching to get involved.
"I think there's excitement all around because we play football to play in these kinds of tournaments, and even having qualified is also something that hasn't been happening, especially with Bafana Bafana," said Modiba.
"So right now I'm happy that we have qualified for this major tournament [AFCON], and we're obviously to play in the Club World Cup with [Sundowns] as well, so it's a great experience and we're looking forward to all these tournaments."
To help with the load on players, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has been forced to rotate the squad, which has seen Modiba sit out a number of games already this season, and the 29-year-old is understanding of this approach.
"The good thing is that the coach tries to explain to us of the load and matches that are coming because they are coming thick and fast, so for us it's to take it to our head that he will tell us we will play this game, and that game you will rest," he added.
"So, as a player, we try and understand where he's coming from because, at the end of the day, he doesn't want us to break down before the season ends, so we understand what he wants from us, and it's for us it's to adjust and understand what the coach is doing."
