Arendse questions Sundowns’ style under Cardoso despite African success

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tyren Arendse says he is still trying to understand the team’s style under head coach Miguel Cardoso, despite the club’s success in winning the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns have not consistently produced the dominant, free-flowing football associated with the club under former managers Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena. Arendse believes their approach has changed since Cardoso replaced Manqoba Mngqithi.

The Brazilians had a congested pre-season at the start of the 2025/26 campaign after competing at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which took place only six months after Cardoso’s appointment.

Their preparations for the 2026/27 season were also disrupted by the untimely passing of midfielder Jayden Adams. The club have additionally been working to integrate several new signings into the squad.

Those circumstances have contributed to Sundowns placing less emphasis on the attractive, attacking football that has long been associated with the side, according to the report.

However, Arendse remains unconvinced by some of their performances and says the current team does not always resemble the Sundowns he knew previously.

“I’m still struggling to figure out Sundowns, you know, from the Sundowns I know from before, where you know they were dominant in a way they played, they would be in charge of games and you knew exactly what you were getting from them,” Arendse told KickOff.

“But this Sundowns team with the new coach, look they’re still a strong team, I mean they are African champions and they still have the players but the style of play it’s a little bit different from before with Pitso and Rulani.

“Obviously it’s a different coach but I’m still trying to figure out Sundowns this season. Yes, they’ve got the quality players but just the style of play, sometimes, I don’t know, it’s not what you expect.”

Arendse, who also played for Orlando Pirates, was speaking ahead of the two clubs’ meeting in the MTN8 final.

He expects the match to provide a significant test for both teams, with Pirates having enjoyed the better record against Sundowns in recent years.

“It’s going to be an interesting game (in the MTN8 final against Pirates), obviously Pirates in the last few years always had an upper hand over Sundowns. Sundowns have not been in a cup final for a while, so it’s really going to be an interesting game,” Arendse said.

Pirates’ younger players will also be under scrutiny as they attempt to cope with the experience within the Sundowns squad.

“Obviously Pirates with the youngsters, just to see how they are able to cope with the experience of Sundowns,” Arendse added.