Miguel Cardoso pledges Sundowns support as Pitso Mosimane begins Bafana Bafana return

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has offered his full backing to Pitso Mosimane, saying South African football must put club rivalries aside when players join the national team.

Mosimane has been appointed Bafana Bafana head coach for a second spell, taking over from Hugo Broos after the Belgian’s departure following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to provide a significant number of players to the national squad, and Cardoso says he is prepared to help Mosimane in any way required as the former Masandawana coach starts his latest tenure.

“The national team always existed and I support the work of the national team of South Africa – it’s my job, that’s why I put myself at the service of coach Pitso for whatever he needs from my side, to help him to be as strong as possible,” Cardoso said.

The Portuguese coach also stressed that players should identify solely with the national team while they are representing South Africa, rather than with their clubs.

“Obviously it’s not my work, it’s his work but I will absolutely support, it’s important that we understand in the national team, there are no Sundowns players. They are national team players, they just become Sundowns players when they come back,” he explained.

“And there are no other team players, there’s just South African players and that’s how I feel proud to see the national team of South Africa – when I see them playing, I see a national team.

“It was the same with coach Hugo, with whom I had a good relation.”

Cardoso offers wider support

Cardoso said his offer to Mosimane goes further than releasing Sundowns players for international duty. He is also willing to provide information and any other assistance that could benefit the national team.

“It’s the platform I position myself, giving possibilities of whatever he needs from my side, that he can use – besides the players, information, whatever. And the players they go, when they come back, we will see,” he added.

Mosimane’s return brings expectations of an immediate improvement, with Bafana Bafana aiming to build on their recent World Cup campaign and maintain their progress internationally.

Cardoso believes all parts of South African football should support the national side, regardless of which clubs supply its players.

“Obviously the coach [Pitso] is starting, he needs a good start, we want him to have a very good start, let’s hope we can produce results in the national team and we will support, stay together and celebrate those results with the same energy we celebrate ours. That’s my position always.”