Cardoso Calls For CAF Schedule Relief After Progress
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has reiterated his plea for better protection of clubs competing in continental competitions after finally experiencing a CAF Champions League weekend fixture without a midweek domestic commitment.
The Brazilians wrapped up their group stage campaign with a win against MC Alger at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, in what marked the first time this season they approached a Champions League encounter without playing a league match during the week.
Cardoso has repeatedly voiced concerns about the demanding schedule, arguing that balancing domestic and continental football places a heavy physical and mental burden on players.
The Portuguese tactician stressed that the matter should be handled at the highest level of the local game.
“This is a very interesting question, and it’s obviously a question that needs to be addressed to the highest football administrators in South African football,” said Cardoso.
“I think the teams playing in the CAF Champions League should be protected in terms of calendar, and I don’t know how to do it because it’s not up to me. It will be important that we play these kinds of games without being involved in domestic games midweek.
“I think the conditions when we play in Africa change so much, and some games are so tough to play, especially against Eloi Lupopo. I think we profited this time, but most of all we need to establish the right mindset to understand that everything we have to do to build a strong plan for the game and be committed like at training.”
The issue has not only affected Sundowns. Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef recently raised similar concerns following Amakhosi’s CAF Confederation Cup victory over Al Masry, highlighting how South African teams in African competitions often have to honour midweek league fixtures.
Despite the scheduling debate, Cardoso shifted focus to the mood within his squad and whether their continental progress could inspire success in the Nedbank Cup and the Betway Premiership.
“I’m just going to tell you something, and I hope you can understand me because it’s a metaphor,” Cardoso added.
“When a man meets a woman, and for them to fall in love, they need good emotions, have good moments together, and enjoy time together. Obviously, that is what we want, and I speak a lot about love. If there is that love from players, technical staff, and fans, then there is a lot to achieve.
“What we expect is that we have to stick to those emotions, and when we set a standard, we have to stick to that standard. But every day in football, it’s not mathematics where you will use the same formulas to solve.”
Attention now turns to a blockbuster Betway Premiership encounter against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, a high-stakes meeting between the league’s top two sides that could have a significant impact on the title race.
