Cardoso wants Sundowns to strengthen defence and midfield before window closes

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says the club are considering further signings in defence, midfield and possibly on the right before the transfer window shuts.

The Portuguese manager identified those areas as positions that require greater depth after Sundowns dropped their first points of the season in a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Cardoso said injuries in recent months had exposed the need for more options, although he believes the squad is better equipped in attack than it was last year. He also praised the development of the club’s younger players, while acknowledging that they still need time and experience.

“Thank you very much for highlighting that point, I think it’s very important. Last year, I complained a lot about having more options for the front. This year we are better and that allows the coach to be better also, obviously some of the youngsters here and there they make mistakes,” Cardoso told SuperSport after the game.

The draw with Kaizer Chiefs ended Sundowns’ winning start but left Cardoso focused on how the squad can cope with the demands of a difficult season. He suggested that adding experienced players could help provide competition and cover across the team.

“They want to rush a little bit the things, but maturity will come from the opportunities that we have to give. Obviously, I still think that here and there in the middle, back we need something more let’s hope, it’s something the club is working on.

“Because as you may imagine the season is very tough, I think yeah a centre-back, midfielder, maybe something there on the right let’s see what’s possible to do but good signs regarding development.”

Cardoso’s comments indicate that Sundowns could still be active in the transfer market, with a centre-back and a midfielder among the positions being considered. He also left open the possibility of strengthening on the right, although no specific targets or potential deals were named.

The coach’s assessment comes as Sundowns prepare to return to action quickly. They will face Marumo Gallants on Wednesday in a rescheduled fixture, giving Cardoso another opportunity to assess his current squad before any further business is completed.

The match against Kaizer Chiefs provided Sundowns with their first setback in terms of results this season, but Cardoso’s remarks suggested that he remained encouraged by the progress being made within the group. In particular, he pointed to the opportunities being given to younger players as part of their development.

For now, the club’s recruitment focus appears to be on improving depth behind the attacking options Cardoso feels are now stronger than they were last season. The next stages of the transfer window will determine whether Sundowns can add the defensive, midfield and wide-area reinforcements their head coach believes may be needed.