Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has opened up on an emotionally challenging pre-season, after they were “interrupted” by Jayden Adams’ tragic passing.
The reigning champions only recently returned from Europe, resulting in them sitting out the opening weekend of the Betway Premiership.
Their plans were put on hold following the passing of the talented midfielder, with the squad delaying its departure for the camp overseas.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Cardoso believes being away together gave the players and staff the space to mourn as a group, helping them draw strength from one another during a painful chapter for the club.
“Well, I think it was, first of all, a very important turnover in terms of emotions. We had to interrupt the pre-season, unfortunately, by the disappearing of Jayden [Adams],” he told the club’s media department.
“We went to the memorial [service]. We were not in the best place, let’s say, emotionally. So, coming out from the country and escaping a little bit from the context was very important.
“I think, indeed, that is the first very positive aspect that we have to highlight, keep the team together as much as we still had to deal with the funeral. It was very important that we could go through this emotional collective moment together.
“And that is a very positive thing, because I think we ended the camp in the right spot, mourning, let’s say, honouring, but sharing love and living from that. And this is a very positive thing.”
From a football perspective, Cardoso believes Sundowns made the most of their pre-season, saying the friendly matches they played provided valuable preparation ahead of the new campaign.
“In terms of sports side of the preparation, obviously, it’s a good opportunity that the club provides the team,” he continued.
“To come abroad, where we can find opponents in a level that is difficult in South Africa, most of all because we don’t play in the preparation against our strongest rivals, let’s say.
“So that is an important question regarding the future of this team, the competitions we have this year, and also focussing on the World Cup 2029, where we have to also accumulate throughout the years that we’re going to have until then, experience on the international level for the youngsters also to profit from it and grow, and for the team to grow on the level of challenges that we’re going to face throughout the season.
“Mission accomplished. Some tough opponents on the way. And positive outcome from it.”
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