‘We need extra quality’ –  Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso insists ahead of transfer deadline day

The head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, Miguel Cardoso, is hoping that the club will reinforce the team’s attack with new signings before the transfer deadline in South Africa on Monday, September 22.

So far, Sundowns have made just two signings in the current window, bringing in left-back Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch and midfielder Tsiki Ntsabeleng on loan from MLS side FC Dallas.

Meanwhile, the club has seen 14 departures, including Thembinkosi Lorch, Sipho Mbule, Lebo Maboe, Sifiso Ngobeni, Thabang Sibanyoni, Neo Maema, Etiosa Ighodaro, Rushine de Reuck, Terrence Mashego, Matias Esquivel, Kobamelo Kodisang, Lucas Suarez, Rivaldo Coetzee, and the high-profile exit of Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

Although Esquivel and Kodisang left on loan, they are not expected to return to the club’s plans. Sundowns have been actively pursuing new signings, including Khulumani Ndamane from TS Galaxy and Brazilian forward Matheusinho, who has also been linked.

Speaking ahead of deadline day, Cardoso emphasised the need for additional quality in attack, citing the loss of key players and the challenge of relying on younger talents.

“I expect so, it’s clear the team needs extra energy in the front, extra quality, we lost important resources from last year, it’s only one name, but his name has a lot of impact on the team, and it’s clear that we’re still trying to find the right connections, to develop collectively, the capacity to arrive there,” the coach said in an interview.

Sundowns currently sit second in the league table with 15 points from seven matches, trailing leaders Sekhukhune United by one point.