Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says judgement of treating draws like a defeat is harsh, as they are rebuilding the squad that will return back to it’s high level.
Sundowns are unbeaten this season, but the draws to Chippa United, two to Orlando Pirates which resulted in an MTN8 semi-final exit on penalties, and to Kaizer Chiefs last night have seen sections of supporters call for the head coach to be replaced.
The club’s Sporting Director has also been subject of scrutiny, after a uninspiring transfer window thus far, with Sundowns only signing a left-back Fawaaz Basadien, as the sixth player in that position currently in their squad.
“Part of the past was done with me, with the players, since I arrived, I remember, this club for 10 years didn’t arrive in the final of the Champions League and we did it,” Cardoso said about being judged heavily for draws treated as defeats.
“And we kept winning the championship, breaking all records in the PSL, except one – so this is the respect that was done also for the people who arrived in the club, not just the ones that were here – everybody works very hard every day and deserve respect.
“This is the trust we have inside the club, a big commitment, big trust between everybody in Mamelodi Sundowns which is important to understand – everyone wants to win every match but no team wins every match.”
Sundowns are currently third with eight points from four games, two points behind Chiefs and Sekhukhune United who occupy the top two spots in the league and Cardoso noted that the absences of Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Khuliso Mudau and captain Themba Zwane has altered their performances they achieved at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup which attracted global plaudits.
“If you are really fair to everyone who works in Sundowns, the coaching staff, the technical department, the sporting director, you understand the team that played the World Cup is not the same team playing right now,” he continued.
“The impact of the players that are absent are so big on this team that we need to rebuild and rebuilding is done with a moment where players are still young, last year some of them didn’t play – we’re rebuilding and happy to do that and pleased.
“We will arrive where we want to arrive, we know which direction we’re going, very well, believe me and we’re so committed on that work – so strong inside the club, and we will become stronger with victories following one after the other, its our nature, it will happen.”
After a gruelling 2024/25 campaign where they played over 60 matches across all competitions, and several others added by international duty on top of that – the squad only had two weeks of holiday and two of pre-season, which to Cardoso’s defence, even opposition managers have noted is something that has affected the reigning league champions.
But this has little sentiment in the demanding sport and nature of the game – as sections of supporters called for him to leave the club.
“It’s not easy with the schedule this team has, it’s not easy. I would like to see another team to have the schedule we’re facing and what results they will get, but we’re strong, very strong… my strength comes from the support I have from my club, the real fans,” he said.
“The ones that are there every day – that I saluted – that is the strength Sundowns has, the big commitment and values we have inside the locker room, in my life, as technical staff, the sporting director, chairman and the board of the club, instigate, incentivate and produce every day as a way of living together.
“This is the South Africa I found when I arrived here, a country of values, where people respect each other, a country I felt so welcomed and nice to live, bringing my family – I said from the first day to my papa and mama, what a country I have found, what people I found, so gentle, so kind, full of love and I hope I continue to live that.”
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
