Miguel Cardoso offers support to South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has offered his full support to Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of South Africa’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea.

In an interview, Cardoso disclosed he is available to assist Mosimane in any possible way as the national team prepares for the crucial qualifiers, stressing that the success of Bafana Bafana should take priority over club interests.

The Sundowns coach believes coaches and players must work together when representing the national team and has made it clear that he is willing to provide whatever support Mosimane may require during the international break.

“National teams have always existed, and I totally support the work of the national team of South Africa. It is my job, and that’s why I am putting myself at the service of coach Pitso in whatever he needs from my side to help him be as strong as possible,” Cardoso said.

The Portuguese coach also emphasised that while his primary responsibility remains with Sundowns, he fully respects Mosimane’s role as national team coach and will not interfere with his responsibilities.

“Obviously, it’s not my work – it is his, but I will absolutely support him,” he added.

Cardoso further highlighted the importance of viewing Sundowns players selected for international duty as South African players first, rather than treating them solely as representatives of their club.

“I think it is important that we understand that in the national team, there are no Sundowns players – there are national team players. They just become Sundowns players when they come back,” he said.

His comments underline the importance of cooperation between the national team and clubs, particularly when players are required to adapt quickly from their club environment to international football.

South Africa will be hoping to make a strong start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, with the fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea providing an early test of Mosimane’s squad.

For Cardoso, the focus is on ensuring that the players representing the national team receive the support they need to perform at their best.

The Sundowns coach’s willingness to make himself available also reflects the shared responsibility surrounding Bafana Bafana, with club and national team structures working alongside each other for the benefit of the country.

As the qualifiers approach, all attention will now turn to Mosimane and his squad as South Africa begin their journey towards securing a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.