Cardoso Thanks PSL And Gallants Following Opener Postponement

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed his gratitude to Marumo Gallants and the PSL for agreeing to postpone Masandawana’s opening league match this coming weekend.

Sundowns’ fixture against Gallants, originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, was postponed following the tragic passing of midfielder Jayden Adams.

The 25-year-old died shortly after returning home from representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Adams’ untimely passing led Sundowns to delay their pre-season trip to Austria so the squad could remain in South Africa to attend his memorial services.

With their travel plans delayed, Sundowns formally requested the PSL to reschedule their season opener. The league granted the request, allowing the team extra time to complete their pre-season preparations in Austria.

Cardoso, who missed Wednesday’s official PSL launch but sent a video message from the club’s training base in Austria, thanked both Gallants and the league executive, adding that Sundowns will draw extra motivation from Adams’ memory this season.

“We are very happy that Mamelodi Sundowns are participating in this championship,” said Cardoso, whose side aims to reclaim the Betway Premiership title from Orlando Pirates after lifting the CAF Champions League last season.

“Our job, obligation, and demand are to take the game to the highest possible level. We promise you that. We would obviously like to congratulate and say thank you very much to the PSL and Marumo Gallants for allowing us to postpone our opening championship match.

“Unfortunately, the reasons behind it are tragic. We want everyone to cherish the memories of Jayden Adams as we mourn him, while drawing strength from the love he gave to all of us.

“It is our obligation to honor him throughout the season. We are happy that our preparations are almost complete, and we wish everyone the best for the weekend’s matches. Let’s hope for a fantastic weekend of football and enjoy the season ahead.”

Sundowns will return to South Africa in the coming days ahead of their rescheduled league opener away against TS Galaxy on 11 August.

Before resuming their league campaign, however, the Brazilians will kick off their competitive season when they host Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-finals in Pretoria next weekend.