Cardoso urges PSL action over congested schedule after CAF Champions League triumph

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has called on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) leadership to review the domestic calendar following his side’s CAF Champions League success, warning that player welfare is being compromised by an overloaded schedule.

The Portuguese tactician finally ended his long wait for continental glory, lifting the CAF Champions League trophy in his third final appearance after Sundowns edged ASFAR 2-1 on aggregate. A disciplined 1-1 draw in the second leg at the packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium sealed Sundowns’ second continental title, their first since 2016.

Despite the celebrations, Cardoso used his post-match press conference to highlight concerns over the physical toll on his squad, suggesting that the demands of the schedule contributed to injuries to key players including Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas.

He argued that such absences undermined the team at crucial moments and warned that South African football must adjust if it hopes to consistently compete at the highest level.

“It is important – if South Africa wants again soon or in the future to win the Champions League, it has to change some dynamics,” Cardoso said.

He added that several players who could be part of the national team setup were unavailable due to what he described as “not normal” physical strain.

“There are still some players that are potential Bafana Bafana players who could not play – Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas,” he noted. “They were exposed to something that is not normal. They could have been very useful today.”

Cardoso stressed that administrators must take responsibility for creating better conditions for clubs competing on multiple fronts, including continental football.

“It’s time for people that are in charge of football in South Africa to really think what they want about the development of football in the country and if they create conditions to really push the teams forward,” he said.

The Sundowns boss insisted that the club remains committed to maintaining high standards despite the challenges, but warned that structural adjustments are necessary to sustain success on the continent.