Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi reckons a strong transfer window will give South African clubs a boost in continental competition.
While the Brazilians have been dominant domestically, winning five consecutive league titles, they have not been as successful in the Champions League.
Downs looked strong in the group stage last season as they finished top, but they were then bundled out in the lst eight by Angola’s Petro de Luanda.
Mngqithi believes if other South African clubs bring in stronger players it will be a positive for Sundowns.
“In our failures in the Champions League, to a certain extent, I felt maybe if our league was a little bit more intense, and other teams pushing each other and us, we could have had a better chance in the Champions League,” said Mngqithi, as quoted by Sowetan Live.
“We’ve been doing well in the group stages but who will remember that, we have to win the competition. Sundowns and Cape Town City are the representatives of the country, so they have the bigger responsibility to make sure the trophy comes home.
“That can come as a result of the level of competition in our premiership.”
He continued: “Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have improved their squads, you still have CT City and Royal AM that did exceptionally well last season. You still have Stellenbosch, you look at how AmaZulu and Sekhukhune have recruited, it looks like it’s going to be a tighter and stronger season.
“Everybody says they’re going to fight against Sundowns, they’re making a mistake because they also have to fight among themselves. It’s going to be an interesting season, a season that may also capacitate our performance in the Champions League.”