Miguel Cardoso defends Mamelodi Sundowns transfer policy after player backlash

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has defended the club’s approach to player transfers after criticism that some members of the squad have been prevented from leaving Chloorkop.

The South African club have recently sanctioned Thapelo Maseko’s move to FC Copenhagen in a deal worth €1.5 million, while Thato Sibiya is expected to complete a loan transfer to Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille.

Those moves have come amid questions over the treatment of other players who have wanted to pursue opportunities elsewhere but have not been allowed to depart. Kutlwano Lethlaku is one such example, after his agent confirmed last season that a bid worth up to R30 million, including add-ons, had been rejected.

Khuliso Mudau was also understood to have been interested in leaving before last season. However, Cardoso said Mamelodi Sundowns had a duty to protect the club’s assets and ensure any transfer served both the player and the team.

“I think it’s important to speak about because I also heard a lot of things that the club doesn’t allow the players to move to better opportunities or other opportunities,” Cardoso said.

The coach said the club’s decisions were not based simply on whether a player wanted to leave, but also on whether the proposed destination would provide the right environment for that individual’s development.

“What the club does is obviously protect the assets that the club has. And obviously look with proper eyes at moves who are good for the club and good for the players – it’s not just a matter of letting the players go, it’s also where you let them go in order to have a chance to become better.”

Cardoso also highlighted the particular responsibility Mamelodi Sundowns carries towards players who have come through the club’s academy.

“And the club has a big, big responsibility, especially with the players that grew up in our academy. It’s an affirmation inside the club but then also the big responsibility not only for the ones that go for the highest level but also the ones that need to be placed in teams that are not so obviously on the highlights – it’s a big responsibility of a club of where to place our boys when they finish here.”

The comments come as Masandawana continue to manage the movement of players in and out of Chloorkop. Maseko’s transfer to FC Copenhagen has been completed for €1.5 million, while Sibiya’s proposed move to LOSC Lille remains set to be finalised on loan.

At the same time, the unresolved cases involving Lethlaku and Mudau have contributed to debate around the club’s transfer strategy. Cardoso’s defence makes clear that Mamelodi Sundowns view departures as decisions requiring careful consideration, rather than as transactions based solely on a player’s wish to move on.

For the coach, the club’s responsibility extends beyond securing the highest possible level for its players. It also includes finding suitable destinations for academy graduates and other members of the squad whose next step may come at clubs away from the spotlight.