Cardoso Sets Standards Ahead Of Eight Trophy Campaign
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has challenged his players to embrace the club’s demanding culture as the Brazilians officially began their preseason ahead of what promises to be one of their busiest and most important campaigns.
Unlike last season, Sundowns have the benefit of a full preseason to prepare for the challenges ahead. The club was unable to complete a proper preseason before the previous campaign because of their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, forcing them into competitive action with limited preparation.
Despite going on to win the CAF Champions League, Sundowns fell short of completing a clean sweep of trophies, missing out on the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup.
This season presents an even greater challenge, with the Tshwane giants set to compete in six major competitions.
In addition to the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup, Sundowns will defend their CAF Champions League title, contest the CAF Super Cup, potential return of the Africa Football League, and represent Africa in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where they could face continental champions, including UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Addressing the squad on the opening day of preseason, Cardoso welcomed both the new arrivals and returning players while reminding them of the standards expected at the club.
“For those who have just arrived, welcome,” he said, as quoted by Mamelodi Sundowns TV on YouTube.
Sundowns have so far signed Antonio van Wyk from Austrian club SV Ried and Siyanda Ndlovu from Golden Arrows.
“For those who are already here, welcome the new players in the best possible way by helping them understand that the energy we have here, when we step onto the pitch, becomes movement, becomes dynamism, becomes attitude, becomes fight, and becomes unity. It is from that foundation that we are who we are.
“We also need to be very flexible to be a player at Sundowns. One day, you may be enjoying success and feel that you have secured your place in the team, but the next day someone else may raise the level, meaning you have to wait for your opportunity again.
“That flexibility is what makes us strong because when we are in the team, we take nothing for granted, and when we are out, we fight for everything. That is how we will approach this journey from day one, from the very first minute.
“There are many beautiful moments ahead, and we do not carry more responsibility; we carry more pride. Carrying more pride means we must always behave at the required level, and we should never forget that.
“We must face our first challenge on the first weekend of August in the best possible way because we need to start the season on the front foot. Last year it was not exactly like that, but this year it will be different because we have big competitions to play for very early in the season, and our performances will speak for us.
“From my side, welcome. It is truly a pleasure to be back with the family. The energy you showed has already made my day and convinced me that we are starting in the right way.
“We know who we are, we know what we want, and we know where we are going. Let’s build from there. Thank you very much.”
With a full preseason at their disposal and six major trophies to compete for, Cardoso has made it clear that maintaining Sundowns’ winning culture, intensity and hunger will be the foundation of another campaign in which the club will aim to challenge for every available honour.
