Miguel Cardoso leaves door open for more Mamelodi Sundowns signings

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says the club may still strengthen the squad before the 2026/27 campaign, despite being more satisfied with the attacking options available to him.

Cardoso was speaking after Sundowns drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday afternoon. The Portuguese coach believes the team has improved in the forward areas, particularly following Cassius Mailula’s return to the club and the emergence of young midfielder Bennet Mokoena.

However, Cardoso indicated that Sundowns could still look to recruit in several other positions as they prepare for what he expects to be a demanding season.

“Last year I complained a lot about having more options for the front,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV post the match.

“This year we are better, and that allows the coach to be better also. Obviously, some of the youngsters here and then they make mistakes. They want to rush a little bit of things, but maturity will come from opportunities that we have to give.

“Obviously, I still think that here and there, in the middle, in the back, we need something more.

“Let’s hope it’s something the club is working on, because the season is very tough.

“I think, yeah, centre-back, midfielder, maybe something there on the right. Let’s see what is possible to do. But good signs regarding development.”

The draw with Kaizer Chiefs gave Cardoso an opportunity to assess the progress of his squad while also highlighting the areas where he feels further competition may be required.

The return of Mailula has increased the options available in attack, while Mokoena’s development has provided another positive sign for the coach. Cardoso nevertheless acknowledged that younger players can sometimes make mistakes or try to force the pace of a match, with experience expected to develop through regular opportunities.

His comments suggest that Sundowns’ recruitment work may not yet be complete. Cardoso specifically identified central defence, midfield and the right side as positions where the club could potentially add another player.

Rather than presenting the need for further signings as a criticism of the squad, Cardoso described the situation as part of the club’s preparations for a difficult season. He also stressed that the development of the existing group remained encouraging.

Sundowns will therefore enter the build-up to the 2026/27 campaign with greater depth in attack, but with the possibility of further additions still under consideration. Cardoso said the final decision would depend on what the club is able to achieve in the transfer market.