“Just Injuries, Injuries”: Cardoso Blasts Relentless Schedule

As high-stakes matches continue to come thick and fast for Mamelodi Sundowns, with little margin for error, the club is beginning to feel the strain, with star striker Brayan León sidelined through injury.

León, who has been in excellent form since arriving during the January transfer window, missed Sundowns’ goalless draw against Richards Bay at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Sunday.

The Colombian forward was replaced in the starting line-up by Iqraam Rayners, who was later withdrawn in the second half as coach Miguel Cardoso introduced additional attacking options, including Peter Shalulile and Lebo Mothiba.

However, the changes were not enough, as Sundowns failed to become only the second team this season to beat Richards Bay at the venue.

The result proved costly, especially after Orlando Pirates were held to a 1–1 draw by Kaizer Chiefs in an earlier Soweto Derby on Sunday—a result that would have allowed Sundowns to reclaim top spot with a win.

Cardoso confirmed that León is injured and also provided an update on Nuno Santos and Arthur Sales, who was forced off after suffering a shoulder injury.

“Look, what is happening now is exactly what I spoke about several months ago regarding the schedule we have been given,” said Cardoso.

“A team that has to play in the Champions League until the latter stages, in a country where competitions come one after the other, is always going to be stretched. At this stage of the season, when we should be at our best, we are instead dealing with setbacks. Brayan is injured.

“Nuno has still not recovered, and now we have also lost Arthur. But it is time for others to step up. Rather than complain, we have to accept the situation, even though it is not ideal.

“Let’s hope Bafana Bafana do not suffer similar losses ahead of the World Cup, because I expect more injuries in the coming weeks.

“It is normal when teams are playing every three days, or seven matches in 21 days, as we are approaching before the end of the season. Injuries are inevitable under such conditions.”

Sundowns, who have 58 points and are second in the Betway Premiership after 25 matches, have a game in hand and trail Pirates by just one point.

With fixtures continuing to pile up, Cardoso’s side will be aiming to return to the summit when they face Polokwane City at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday.