Cardoso urges Sundowns supporters to show patience after defensive concerns

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has called for unity and patience from the club’s supporters as his side attempts to overcome early-season defensive problems and the disruption caused by a number of player departures.

Sundowns remain unbeaten in the Betway Premiership after a 5-2 victory over AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night. Yet the result came against the backdrop of a difficult start defensively, with the club having conceded eight goals since the beginning of the season.

That record includes a 1-0 defeat by Golden Arrows in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final. Sundowns must overturn that deficit in the return leg in Durban on Sunday afternoon, with the match scheduled to kick off at 15:00.

Cardoso was pleased with the attacking performance against AmaZulu, but said the team’s defensive record remained a concern. Sundowns have kept only one clean sheet so far this season, prompting the coach to stress the importance of greater defensive stability.

“We scored goals, and we could have gotten more. But we have to stop conceding goals because the stability of the team comes from the back,” said Cardoso. “If we can score five and concede two, it’s a result to take, but 3-0 sounds a lot better!”

The defensive struggles have also brought criticism from some supporters, with certain players being targeted after goals were conceded. Goalkeeper and vice-captain Ronwen Williams has been among those subjected to criticism from disgruntled fans.

Cardoso rejected that approach and urged supporters to stand behind a squad that has undergone significant change. The Portuguese coach said the team was still adapting after several players left and a number of new arrivals joined the group.

“We could have even gotten a better result, but importantly, people need to understand that supporting this team is what is needed,” Cardoso said. “These boys need support. The team has suffered a lot of changes and losses.

“There are a lot of new players that have come in. The more support given to the team, the better this team can become. We were not bad before, and we were not fantastic today.”

The win over AmaZulu kept Sundowns’ unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership intact, while also providing a significant attacking response after the first-leg loss to Golden Arrows.

However, Cardoso’s comments underlined that the result did not resolve the concerns at the back. Sundowns now face the immediate challenge of trying to overturn their MTN8 semi-final deficit, while continuing to develop a squad affected by recent departures and new additions.

The club’s supporters will therefore be asked to remain behind the team as Sundowns seek greater consistency and a stronger defensive foundation during the early stages of Cardoso’s transitional campaign.