Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso asks fans to trust squad rotation

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has urged the club’s supporters to back his team-selection decisions as the reigning MTN8 champions continue competing for trophies on several fronts.

The Brazilians are balancing domestic and continental commitments, while a number of their key players are also regularly involved with their national teams. With matches coming close together and limited recovery time, Cardoso says careful squad management is vital to maintaining fitness and motivation.

Speaking to the media at the launch of the Carling Knockout, Cardoso appealed to supporters to understand why changes may be made from one game to the next.

“I would like Mamelodi Sundowns fans to also understand that, so that they support our technical decisions here and there,” he said.

“It will be clear that we are managing the group, but managing the group is putting the ones that show us that they are in better conditions to play.

“We also need to manage motivation. We need to have a group that is permanently on the edge of motivation, and we like to have them like that.”

Cardoso said competition for places meant players had to remain ready to contribute whenever selected.

“Obviously, we know that we have competition in positions and there are players that can play any moment. Fawaaz had a beautiful game yesterday, but in the final it was Lunga and Aubrey playing,” he added.

Sundowns target another cup

Sundowns have been drawn against Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout as they pursue another piece of silverware after recently lifting the MTN8 trophy.

Cardoso believes the knockout competition will provide his side with another opportunity to compete for honours, while acknowledging the distinctive pressure surrounding cup football.

“Look, a knockout match is always a special match. There’s always some different energy, there’s always something that we feel, the ambience, the tension, no one likes to lose whenever,” he said.

The Sundowns coach also praised the tournament and its trophy, saying both would carry considerable appeal for the clubs involved.

“This is a beautiful tournament. Carling is a brand with many, many, many years, and the trophy is so beautiful. As I said in the draw, everybody would like to lift it and put their name on the winners of this trophy,” Cardoso said.