Cardoso Plans Major Squad Overhaul
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso plans to reduce the team’s large squad to ensure all players feel motivated. He believes that a bloated roster can lead to a lack of playing time and a drop in morale.
While acknowledging the need for a smaller squad, Cardoso emphasized that the club must be careful not to lose quality players who can help the team compete at a high level.
When he was appointed in December, Cardoso highlighted the challenge of keeping a large squad content, as limited playing opportunities could arise from a congested schedule.
In a surprising move, star striker Peter Shalulile has been deemed surplus to requirements and is expected to be sold to Esperance in Tunisia. The club is currently awaiting the transfer fee.
Sundowns currently has over 40 players. The club is looking to loan or sell several players, including Etiosa Ighodaro and Matías Esquivel, to manage the squad size. Other players who appear to have no future with the team include Neo Maema, Keegan Johannes, Terrence Mashego, Thembinkosi Lorch, Abubeker Nasir, and Siyanda Msani. The club needs to resolve their futures before the transfer window closes, as Cardoso does not consider them part of his plans.
Despite receiving over R200 million for participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, Sundowns has only signed one player: Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch. It remains unclear if they will make any more signings, as Cardoso’s main focus is to trim the current squad.
Cardoso explained his intentions: “It is our intention to reduce the numbers. Obviously, it is a collective effort, and that means we will do it together. It is not only my opinion in terms of reducing the squad but also our opinion inside the club.”
He noted the difference between squad sizes in South Africa and Europe, stating that a typical squad in Portugal has around 22 outfield players plus three or four goalkeepers, with a reserve team available for reinforcements.
“For sure, the squad is bigger, and that is a reality we understood from competing in South Africa,” he said. “The team will be smaller than last year, but we will also not be as small as we have in Portugal.”
Cardoso added that he wants enough players to manage injuries, suspensions, and form, but not so many that some players are constantly on the sidelines. “We want the players to feel that they are there, they have a chance to play regularly, and that is the mindset we will use to try to reduce the squad,” he concluded.
Sundowns will kick off their 2025/26 Betway Premiership season against Chippa United on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
