Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has appealed to the Yellow Nation for support amid inconsistent results.
The Portuguese tactician has faced mounting criticism in recent weeks and was even being linked with an exit, with Pitso Mosimane tipped as a possible successor.
Sundowns were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup after a Round of 16 defeat to TS Galaxy last weekend, but they responded with a 1-0 league victory over AmaZulu to move back to the top of the table.
Cardoso says another tough test awaits against Sekhukhune United on Sunday, 1 February. He urged supporters to rally behind the players, stressing that while he does not need much backing as a coach, the squad does.
He added that it is easy to like the coach when they win and dislike them when they lose.
“Believe me, what I want is the best for Mamelodi Sundowns, and it’s hard work we do together every day,” said Cardoso.
“If the family of the supporters, together with the players, we understand the way we are doing, we can achieve good things, but we need to be committed with everybody, together.
“And already in the next match against Sekhukhune, another very difficult task ahead, we need the support of our fans.
“We need it for the players. I don’t need it, but the players, they do need it. I’m not speaking for myself, I don’t need it because I know that coaches, obviously, they are liked if they win, they are disliked if they don’t win.
“Obviously, it’s very easy to like the coach when he wins, but as [Mikel] Arteta said during this week, it’s important that people are supported in all the moments, because we do a very serious job, a very serious job.
“But support the players also, those are very hard-working people, with a lot of character, that have achieved so much until now. And for sure, whatever happens, we will continue to achieve in the future.”
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