Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso questions venue change before Chippa United clash

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed frustration over the late change of venue for Saturday’s Betway Premiership meeting with Chippa United, saying the decision will affect the club’s preparations for their next international fixture.

The match was originally scheduled to be played at Nelson Mandela Stadium, but the venue failed a Premier Soccer League inspection. The PSL subsequently approved Chippa United’s request to move the game to Buffalo City Stadium, where the two sides will meet on Saturday afternoon.

Cardoso stopped short of openly criticising the decision but suggested the change had created an unnecessary complication for his side during an already demanding period.

“It will be a tough match, we play there on Saturday,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.

“A little bit of applications, I don’t want to speak about that but a change of the venue that will allow us to stay one more day, we’ve only flight the following day on the night to attach preparation for our international match the following weekend and it’s a pity that things are that way but I don’t want to cry, they say I cry too much.

“But I just stuck too reality, but now it’s time to think about the next match and to recover the players and think about the weekend thank you.

Sundowns strengthened their position at the top of the Betway Premiership on Wednesday by beating Siwelele FC 3-0. That result moved the reigning leaders six points clear at the summit.

The victory came during a particularly busy spell for the Brazilians, who must now turn their focus quickly towards the trip to Buffalo City Stadium and the meeting with the Chilli Boys.

Cardoso’s comments indicated that the altered arrangements may allow Sundowns to remain where they are for an additional day. However, he also said the team would only fly the following night as they begin to prepare for an international match the next weekend.

The coach described the circumstances as unfortunate, while making clear that his priority was now to manage the squad and ensure the players recover before Saturday’s fixture.

Sundowns will therefore attempt to build on their latest three-goal victory as they seek to maintain their advantage in the Betway Premiership. Chippa United, meanwhile, will host the league leaders at the newly approved venue after the Nelson Mandela Stadium was ruled unsuitable by the PSL inspection.

The encounter forms the next part of a demanding schedule for Cardoso’s side, who have moved six points clear after their win over Siwelele FC. Their immediate task is to overcome the logistical disruption, recover their squad and prepare for a difficult match against Chippa United.