Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso backs squad rotation during busy run

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says supporters must trust his selection decisions as the club prepares for a congested run of fixtures.

The Brazilians stayed in Durban after beating Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final, then played Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.

Their next assignment will take them to Angola, where they face log leaders Wiliete in the CAF Champions League this weekend.

Sundowns were also drawn against Marumo Gallants in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout. With the fixture schedule becoming increasingly demanding, Cardoso says the entire squad will be required and urged fans to understand the thinking behind his changes.

“I would like Mamelodi Sundowns fans to also understand that, so they can support our technical decisions here and there. It will be clear that we are managing the group, but managing the group puts the ones who show us that they are in better condition to play,” said Cardoso.

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

The Portuguese coach also stressed that players must remain prepared to contribute whenever they are called upon.

He highlighted defender Fawaaz Basadien, who started against Richards Bay, as an example of a player taking his opportunity after not featuring in the MTN8 final.

“Obviously, we know that we have competition in positions and there are players who can play at any moment. Fawaaz had a beautiful game on Tuesday, but in the final, it had been [Divine] Lunga and Aubrey [Modiba] playing,” Cardoso said.

“So, ja, the boys are giving answers to the challenges we’ve posed. We tell them to trust that their moment will appear. I am also pleased to unwrap the trophy from the plastic and give it to Fawaaz because he understands the message when we speak with them.”

Cardoso said rotation would not mean lowering the standards expected from the team, particularly with Wiliete currently leading their domestic standings.

The coach was speaking after Sundowns’ MTN8 triumph and the Carling Knockout draw, and called for humility as the club moves into the next phase of the season.

The back-to-back demands of domestic and continental football mean Sundowns will need to manage their squad carefully, while ensuring players remain motivated and ready to step in. Cardoso’s message is that selection will be based on each player’s condition and readiness, rather than a fixed first-choice team.