Miguel Cardoso Dismisses Claims That Off-Field Issues Are Hurting Sundowns’ Start
- Miguel Cardoso has reacted to Mamelodi Sundowns defeat against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final
- The Portuguese tactician also rejects reports claiming off-field issues is affecting the Brazilians performance
- The Sundowns boss is also optimistic about the season despite their defeat against the Buccaneers
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has dismissed claims that off-field issues are impacting the team’s performances at the start of the 2025/26 season.
Source: Getty Images
The Brazilians started their campaign with a win over Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarter-final but dropped two points in their 2025/26 Betway Premiership opener against Chippa United. They continued with back-to-back league wins against AmaZulu FC and Magesi FC.
Technically, they are yet to lose a game in normal duration, but won't be taking part in the MTN8 competition anymore after losing 4-1 on penalties against Orlando Pirates in the semi-final at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Cardoso Reacts to Sundowns' Loss Against Pirates
Speaking after the Pirates' game, Cardoso claimed he took a risk by resting some of Sundowns' key players, considered by fans for the match against Magesi FC in the league.
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The former Nantes coach also rejected the claims that off-field issues, like Lucas Ribeiro dragging Sundowns to FIFA, are affecting his team's performance on the pitch.
“We took a calculated risk against Magesi by resting some players whom you and the fans consider key, but for me, the strongest players are the ones currently on the pitch,” Cardoso explained.
“That said, none of this is related to internal issues within the club. Everything here is peaceful. We enjoy every day without problems, meals are provided for breakfast and lunch, training facilities are in good shape, and the atmosphere is calm.
“The players arrive on time, and we focus on the resources we have. We don’t get distracted by outside noise or speculation."
The Portuguese tactician also went on to clarify that the off-field politics are only a problem for the club management and the sporting director and are not in any way affecting his job as the head coach.
Source: Getty Images
“Off-field politics involving the board, chairman, or sporting director don’t affect our work. The players and I concentrate solely on our opponents. We study, prepare, and execute our game plan, and we’ve been performing well," he added.
“After just 10 minutes in the match, the game unfolded exactly as we anticipated, and we managed to keep control. The intensity and aggression were there, but I felt more active and pressured than usual, that’s a challenge we’re ready to face. We know we need to push harder."
Cardoso went on to hail the smooth delivery of Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena, and he's optimistic about the season despite the defeat.
“The smooth, dynamic interplay from players like Allende and Mokoena is crucial. When that’s missing, ball circulation suffers, we lose possession, and some might blame individual players for ‘ruining’ the team. But in reality, we’re building strength and resilience. This phase will only help us grow in character,” he concluded.
Mosimane loses legal battle against Sundowns
Briefly News also reported that Pitso Mosimane lost his ongoing court case against his former employer, Mamelodi Sundowns.
The former Al Ahly coach and the PSL side have been on the issue for while before the court delivered their judgement.
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Source: Briefly News
