Cardoso Explains Mkhulise’s Contract Renewal

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has explained the rationale behind Sphelele Mkhulise’s contract extension, insisting the decision is aligned with the club’s long-term sporting vision rather than short-term considerations such as appearances or minutes played.

Cardoso, who refused to speak about his future, made it clear that contractual matters at Sundowns are driven by collective leadership rather than unilateral decisions from the technical bench.

“Look, all the decisions are sport decisions,” Cardoso said.

“Obviously, this club has a board of chairmen that holds an action. The sports policy of Mamelodi Sundowns is not defined by a coach, but it is also consulted by the coach.

“I think Pitso (Mkhulise) really deserves a renewal in his contract, and for sure Sundowns is working on that for players that will be out of contract at the end of the season.

“It is now obviously the time for people in charge to start talking about these things.”

Mkhulise’s contract was renewed in January, and it is believed to be for two seasons, with an option to extend, despite the midfielder not enjoying consistent game time in recent campaigns.

The Portuguese mentor emphasized that a lack of regular appearances does not diminish the player’s value to the club.

“Pitso is very resilient, he has not been getting games, especially last season, but that doesn’t show he’s not important,” the former Esperance mentor added.

“He was not playing because of the competition, but what I like about him is that he focuses on his intentions, and he has a high level of professionalism, and in January, he played very well.

“He trained at his level at training since the last month of the previous year, and he made a very good camp.

“I think this is a process to continue his career, and he is a senior player with a lot of experience despite not being that old.”

The 29-year-old is a product of the Sundowns academy, having joined the club as a youngster in 2012 before being promoted to the first team in 2016.

Mkhulise spent the first two seasons on loan at Black Leopards and Richards Bay to gain experience before making his official debut for the Brazilians in the 2018/19 season under Pitso Mosimane against Kaizer Chiefs. 

Since then, the Pietermaritzburg-born midfielder has been part of one of the most successful eras in the club’s history, contributing to 12 major trophies. These include seven league titles, one Carling Knockout, one MTN8 Cup, two Nedbank Cups, and one African Football League title.

Mkhulise has made 178 appearances in all competitions for Sundowns, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.

This season, Mkhulise has featured in seven matches in all competitions and will be hoping to make his eighth appearance when Sundowns take on Motsepe Foundation Championship side Gomora United in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.