Miguel Cardoso Reveals What Has Disrupted Sundowns’ FIFA Intercontinental Cup Plans
- Mamelodi Sundowns have had to rethink their schedule ahead of a major FIFA Intercontinental Cup assignment
- Miguel Cardoso has explained why an unexpected change has affected the club’s carefully planned preparations
- The Sundowns coach had already mapped out his players’ recovery period before the latest development
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Source: Getty Images
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed what has disrupted the club’s preparations for their FIFA Intercontinental Cup clash against Al Ahli on 19 September.
The issue stems from Saturday’s domestic fixture against Chippa United. Sundowns were originally scheduled to play at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, but the venue did not meet Premier Soccer League requirements.
The match was subsequently moved to Buffalo City Stadium, with the change made earlier this week.
Cardoso says the late switch has created extra travel and logistical demands as Sundowns prepare for their major continental assignment.
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“We had a trip planned but the change of plans disrupts our preparations and plans for the Intercontinental Cup completely,” Cardoso said, as reported by SABC Sport.
Miguel Cardoso explains the travel problem
The revised itinerary has also forced Sundowns to abandon the travel plans they had arranged around the Chippa United fixture. Cardoso said the team will now have to remain in the Eastern Cape longer than expected.
Cardoso explained:
“We can no longer return home on the same day of the match and we cannot travel in the morning of the day after the game either.”
The change has also disrupted the rest period the coach had planned for his players before they stepped up preparations for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup clash against Al Ahli.
With the original schedule no longer possible, Cardoso said the squad will have limited options while waiting to travel back.
“All we can do is enjoy one another’s company at the hotel and maybe walk on the beach,” Cardoso added.
Source: Getty Images
Sundowns prepare for Al Ahli clash
Sundowns’ schedule is now even tighter around their FIFA Intercontinental Cup campaign. They face Chippa United on Saturday, 12 September, before turning their attention to Al Ahli on 19 September. The Brazilians enter the fixture in strong form after beating Siwelele 3-0 on 9 September.
Buffalo City does offer a positive memory. Sundowns won the Betway Premiership title there in May 2025 after beating Chippa 3-0 to secure their eighth consecutive league crown.
However, Miguel Cardoso is concerned about the disruption caused by the venue change. The new arrangements mean Sundowns cannot follow the originally planned return schedule, reducing their recovery time before their Al Ahli assignment.
With the FIFA Intercontinental Cup clash approaching, the Brazilians must now manage their travel, recovery and preparations around the revised itinerary.
Sundowns strengthen squad ahead of FIFA Intercontinental Cup
Briefly News previously reported that Mamelodi Sundowns bolstered their defence with the arrival of former Orlando Pirates right-back Deano van Rooyen after Khuliso Mudau’s injury setback.
The 29-year-old signed a multi-year contract with the reigning Betway Premiership champions after his Pirates deal was ended by mutual agreement. Van Rooyen now gives Miguel Cardoso an additional option at right-back as Sundowns balance their domestic schedule with their FIFA Intercontinental Cup commitments.
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Source: Briefly News
