Cardoso Downplays Future Talk Ahead Of Nedbank Cup Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has moved to quiet speculation about his future while urging focus on football.

Sundowns will start the Nedbank Cup round of 32 clash against Gomora United on Wednesday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on the back of a 2-1 damaging loss to AL Hilal in the CAF Champions League.

Cardoso has been facing growing rumours surrounding his position at Sundowns. However, he made it clear that he felt the topic had been exhausted and was becoming a distraction ahead of a busy and important period for the club.

“I have been talking about this in the past three or four press conferences,” Cardoso said.

“I think it’s time to finish it. Don’t take me as badly behaved for not wanting to answer this question. But there is a moment when it touches too much on things that do not smell bad, and it can spread the smell.

“I think we should focus on the Nedbank Cup, the competition we have to play in the good name of the competition, and the place where we are.

“This is too important for us to worry about Miguel Cardoso’s situation or the fans.

“The only comment that I’m going to have on this situation is to do with the fact that coaches also have emotions. Coaches are also human beings.

“When coaches want to celebrate something, it’s because they feel that it’s really important to do it. But there are many moments that I didn’t really celebrate the same way.

“It has to do with the moment, the will to celebrate the achievement of my players.

“It has to do mostly with being part of the people who in that moment were so committed to achieving the result, from the fans to the players, on and off the pitch, and to the coaches. Just that.”

Speculation around Cardoso’s future intensified in January, with rumours suggesting that the Portuguese coach could leave the Brazilians, potentially paving the way for Pitso Mosimane to return to the club.

Mosimane famously led Sundowns to their first CAF Champions League title in 2016 and remains a popular figure among sections of the fan base.

Tensions came to the surface during Sundowns’ loss to Hilal, where fans chanted for Cardoso’s sacking while also singing Mosimane’s name.

The atmosphere shifted briefly after Sundowns bounced back with a league victory over Sekhukhune United, with supporters celebrating and singing with the team after the match. 

However, that positivity was short-lived as Sundowns then suffered a disappointing loss to Hilal in Rwanda.

Following the loss, frustration resurfaced among supporters, with social media again filled with calls for Cardoso’s dismissal.

The Nedbank Cup encounter against Gomora United now offers Sundowns an opportunity to steady the ship before returning to continental action.

After the cup match, the Brazilians will travel to face Saint Eloi Lupopo in the Champions League on Sunday. 

Lupopo are unbeaten at home, having already held both MC Alger and Al Hilal in DR Congo.

Sundowns currently sit second in Group C with five points, while Lupopo are bottom with four points, underlining how tight the group remains.

Despite having beaten Lupopo at home, Cardoso’s side face a tough encounter as both teams push to secure a place in the knockout stages.