Miguel Cardoso Explains Why Mamelodi Sundowns Are Struggling This Season

Miguel Cardoso Explains Why Mamelodi Sundowns Are Struggling This Season

Miguel Cardoso has finally opened up on the reason behind Mamelodi Sundowns struggles in the early stages of the 2025-26 season.

The Portuguese tactician led the Brazilians to eighth Betway Premiership titles last season, but he's been under fire despite the Pretorian giants starting the campaign on a good note with a resounding victory against Richards Bay in the MTN8.

"Preparation is absolutely key, that’s the big issue we’re dealing with right now," he told the media.

"No one in Premier Soccer League has experienced what we’re going through at the moment, and that’s why I talk about the strength we have within the club. We knew this moment would come, and we were ready to face it.

"We must respect the players’ efforts, and the work being done across the club. Everyone understands what this team is going through.

"If you look at Europe, where I have many friends coaching teams that have played in the Club World Cup, you’ll see the same issues. Either teams made big changes, or — if they didn’t — they’re now struggling. I remember how PSG started their season. Sure, when you have top-quality players, you can still win, especially with a strong team spirit. But the rhythm and fluidity aren’t the same.

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"We as coaches and players all understand that. When fatigue kicks in, we have to rely on bravery, resilience, and our ability to manage the game. Even I, as a coach, sometimes want to make substitutions, but I may not have the options to support the team the way I’d like. It’s like a cyclist climbing a mountain, when he’s in peak condition, he flies up. But when he’s not, it’s all about survival."

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@sportsbrief.com.