Mamelodi Sundowns boss Cardoso asks supporters to trust squad rotation

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has urged supporters to accept changes to his starting line-ups as the club manages a demanding run of fixtures.

The Portuguese coach says rotation will be essential rather than optional, with players selected according to their physical condition rather than their status as regular starters. He wants the Masandawana faithful to understand the reasoning behind those decisions before team sheets are announced.

Sundowns have won their first MTN8 title since 2021 after also lifting the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup. That gives them two trophies from a possible nine this season, while they currently lead the league table.

Cardoso said: “I’d like Sundowns to understand that [we need to rotate] so they support our technical decisions here and there, it will be clear that we are managing the group – but managing the group is using the ones in better conditions to play.”

The coach’s approach means familiar names may be left out even when they have featured regularly in recent matches. He believes choosing the players best prepared physically gives the team the strongest chance of maintaining its performance levels across the schedule.

Competition for places

Cardoso also stressed that squad management extends beyond fitness. He wants to maintain a competitive environment in which players remain motivated and believe they can be called upon at any time.

“We also have to manage motivation, we have to have a group that is permanently on the edge of the motivation, we like to have it like that – we know we have competition in positions and there are players that can play any moment,” he said.

In his view, that competition helps preserve standards throughout the squad. Players who are not selected are expected to stay engaged, knowing an opportunity could arrive in the next match.

Cardoso highlighted Fawaaz as an example of the response he wants from his players. Although Fawaaz had impressed in the previous match, Lunga and Modiba were selected for the final.

“Fawaaz made a beautiful game yesterday but in the final it was Lunga and Modiba playing, so the boys are giving answers to the challenges we put, we tell them to trust that their moment will appear and I was so pleased to by myself and wrapping the trophy from the plastic where he was and giving it to Fawaaz.

“He understands the message; be ready when you go inside, you can perform. He was an example amongst others, how they can perform after not playing two or three matches in a row.”

Cardoso personally handed the trophy to Fawaaz, underlining his belief that every player has a role to play, whether or not they start an important match.

Sundowns supporters can therefore expect further changes as fixtures continue to arrive quickly. Cardoso’s message is that rotation is intended to protect the squad, sustain motivation and ensure the team remains competitive in all competitions.