Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has pledged his full support to newly appointed Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane, insisting there should be no divide between club and country when it comes to South African players.
Mosimane has returned to the national team for a second spell, succeeding Hugo Broos after the Belgian’s departure following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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With Sundowns supplying a significant number of players to the national team, Cardoso says he is ready to assist Mosimane wherever possible as the former Masandawana coach begins his new tenure.
“The national team always existed and I support the work of the national team of South Africa – it’s my job, that’s why I put myself at the service of coach Pitso for whatever he needs from my side, to help him to be as strong as possible,” Cardoso said.
The Portuguese tactician also stressed that, once players leave Sundowns to join Bafana, their club identity should be put aside as they represent the country.
“Obviously it’s not my work, it’s his work but I will absolutely support, it’s important that we understand in the national team, there are no Sundowns players. They are national team players, they just become Sundowns players when they come back,” he explained.
“And there are no other team players, there’s just South African players and that’s how I feel proud to see the national team of South Africa – when I see them playing, I see a national team.
“It was the same with coach Hugo, with whom I had a good relation.”
‘Whatever Pitso needs’
Cardoso revealed that his willingness to assist extends beyond simply making players available, with the Sundowns coach offering Mosimane access to information and any other support that could help Bafana.
“It’s the platform I position myself, giving possibilities of whatever he needs from my side, that he can use – besides the players, information, whatever. And the players they go, when they come back, we will see,” he added.
Mosimane’s appointment comes with expectations of a strong start, with Bafana looking to build on their recent World Cup campaign and continue their progress on the international stage.
Cardoso believes everyone involved in South African football should get behind the national team, regardless of club allegiances.
“Obviously the coach [Pitso] is starting, he needs a good start, we want him to have a very good start, let’s hope we can produce results in the national team and we will support, stay together and celebrate those results with the same energy we celebrate ours. That’s my position always.”