Cardoso says Sundowns found strength after Adams’ death

Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso says the club emerged stronger from an emotionally difficult pre-season following the tragic death of midfielder Jayden Adams.

The reigning CAF Champions League champions only recently returned from a training camp in Europe, after their departure was delayed in the wake of Adams’ passing. As a result, Sundowns missed the opening weekend of the domestic season.

The squad had originally been due to travel earlier, but those plans were postponed as the club dealt with the loss. Players and staff first attended Adams’ memorial service before travelling abroad to continue their preparations for the new campaign.

Cardoso acknowledged that the group was not emotionally ready to return immediately to football. However, he believes the overseas camp offered the right setting for everyone to grieve together and support each other during an exceptionally painful period.

“Well, I think it was, first of all, a very important turnover in terms of emotions. We had to interrupt the pre-season, unfortunately, by the disappearing of Jayden,” Cardoso told the club’s media department.

“We went to the memorial (service). We were not in the best place, let’s say, emotionally. So, coming out from the country and escaping a little bit from the context was very important.”

The Portuguese coach said the chance to keep the squad together was one of the most important benefits of the trip. The players were able to process the loss collectively while continuing to prepare for the season.

“I think, indeed, that is the first very positive aspect that we have to highlight, keep the team together as much as we still had to deal with the funeral. It was very important that we could go through this emotional collective moment together.

“And that is a very positive thing, because I think we ended the camp in the right spot, mourning, let’s say, honouring, but sharing love and living from that.”

Cardoso also believes the camp achieved its sporting purpose. Sundowns were able to face stronger opposition than they would typically encounter during a pre-season campaign in South Africa, where they do not usually play their most difficult domestic rivals before competitive fixtures begin.

“In terms of sports side of the preparation, obviously, it’s a good opportunity that the club provides the team.

“To come abroad, where we can find opponents in a level that is difficult in South Africa, most of all because we don’t play in the preparation against our strongest rivals, let’s say.

“Mission accomplished. Some tough opponents on the way. And positive outcome from it.”

The camp therefore enabled Sundowns to combine emotional recovery with competitive preparation, as the squad honoured Adams’ memory while rebuilding its focus for the season ahead.

Sundowns will begin their campaign on Saturday with an MTN8 fixture against Polokwane City.

Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns during training.