Cardoso blames individual errors for Sundowns’ defensive problems

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says individual mistakes, rather than collective defensive shortcomings, are responsible for the goals his side have conceded at the start of the 2026/27 season.

The Brazilians have made an impressive start to the campaign, competing strongly in both the Betway Premiership and the MTN8, where they have reached the final.

Sundowns moved to the top of the league table on Sunday after beating Golden Arrows 2-1 in Durban, although their defensive performances have raised concerns after conceding more goals than expected.

Cardoso believes the majority of those goals have resulted from simple errors by players rather than problems with the team’s overall defensive structure.

“People are speaking about the goals we have suffered, but no one has taken time to analyse goal by goal and see why they happened,” Cardoso said.

“Most of them don’t come from collective behaviour. They come from simple mistakes that the players are making.”

The Portuguese coach also pointed to the number of injuries within his squad, saying the absences have forced him to regularly change his starting line-up and defensive combinations.

Keanu Cupido, Jayden Adams, Nuno Santos, Arthur Sales and Khuliso Mudau are among the players currently unavailable, according to Cardoso.

He believes their absence has affected the team’s understanding and connections on the pitch.

“There are a lot of changes that obviously bring the need to find the connections. It will settle down,” he said.

Cardoso also acknowledged that Sundowns’ demanding schedule and high intensity have contributed to the challenges, but remained pleased with the team’s overall performances.

“I would like to have fewer goals suffered at the moment, but I am pretty happy because we are also scoring a lot,” he said.

“I think if you go back and see, probably we are making one of the best starts from the last many years.”

Sundowns will now look to maintain their strong form while working to tighten up defensively as they continue their challenge for domestic honours.