Cardoso offers support to Mosimane as Sundowns players join Bafana Bafana

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has offered his support to new Bafana Bafana manager Pitso Mosimane, insisting players should be regarded as representatives of South Africa rather than their club when on international duty.

Thirteen Sundowns players are due to join the national squad on Monday ahead of this month’s 2027 Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea. South Africa will also face Egypt in an international friendly on October 4.

The large Sundowns contingent reflects the club’s strength and recent success. They secured the Fifa African-Asian-Pacific Cup on Saturday afternoon by beating Al Ahli 2-1 at home.

Cardoso said he was pleased to see so many of his players selected, describing their call-ups as recognition of the work they have produced in domestic and continental matches.

“The national teams always exist,” Cardoso said. “I always support the work of the national team of South Africa. It’s my job. That’s why I am availing myself to coach Pitso to help him to be as strong as possible.”

The number of Sundowns players in the Bafana Bafana squad, combined with their influence on the national team, has regularly led to the suggestion among supporters and figures in the game that “Sundowns are Bafana”.

Cardoso rejected that idea, drawing a clear distinction between club football and international representation.

“Obviously it’s not my work, but his. But I will strongly support him. I think that in the national team, there are no Sundowns players, but national team players,” he said.

“They become Sundowns players when they come back. There are no ‘other team’s’ players as well.”

Cardoso added that he took pride in watching South Africa and had previously maintained a positive working relationship with former Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

“I feel proud when I see the national team of South Africa because I see a national team,” he said. “It happened the same way with coach Hugo (Broos), with whom I had a good relationship. I avail resources that he needs from my side that he can use.”

The absence of 13 regular players could create difficulties for Sundowns, with international football offering them valuable experience while also carrying the risk of injury, particularly for those who are not regular starters.

Cardoso, however, said he was not concerned about the situation and was focused on allowing Mosimane to begin his tenure positively.

“The players will go, and when they come back we will see,” he said. “Also the coach is starting, so we want him to have a great start. Let’s hope we can get results in the national team. We’ll support and celebrate them – with the same energy as ours.”