Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego ‘Killer’ Mphela believes Masandawana coach Miguel Cardoso is under more pressure for success than his counterpart at Orlando Pirates Jose Riveiro.
Cardoso joined the defending Betway Premiership champions in December 2024 and has an unbeaten record in all competitions so far, having widened the gap at the top of the log to 18 points and getting the side to the knockout phase of the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup.
Riviero who has already won a cup this season has found consistency tough in the league, though maintaining second spot and he is still in the running to defend the Nedbank Cup while also in the Champions League.
But former Bafana Bafana forward told iDiski Times writer Lethabo Kganyago in edition 195 of the newspaper that Cardoso is under more pressure because due to the club’s spending power he is expected to secure the league title and bring the big fish that is Champions League.
“I think both of them are under pressure,” Mphela told iDiski Times.
“Like you said, Cardoso came and took over from a team that was doing well; they’re used to winning cups. And for him, the Betway Premiership is a must[ win].
“It’s a must because all these coaches have been winning that. It’s a must. It’s not something they’re looking at and to win big games is a must as well. I think his mandate will be more on the Champions League.
“But also you go to Pirates I mean, the guy got three seasons under his belt and I think he has done magnificently well; he’s won cups and taken them to the Champions League.
“But I think also their fans, when you listen from outside, their fans, their eye is on the league, they don’t care much about the trophies that he has won domestically, they really want the league.
“So for him, I think he has done well and to be honest, check the expenditure of both teams. I think Sundowns, they spend a lot of money on players, and Riveiro gives these youngsters a chance to come and showcase their talent.
“So I think Cardoso is more under pressure than Riveiro.”
You can read Mphela’s full interview with Kganyago in edition 195 when you subscribe to IDiski Times Media WhatsApp Number for FREE.
