“Playing On The Edge”: Cardoso Issues Bafana World Cup Warning Amid Sundowns Fatigue

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has once again raised concerns about his team’s punishing schedule, expressing hope that it will not negatively impact Bafana Bafana ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Cardoso has repeatedly criticised the demanding fixture list his side has faced this season, with matches every three days — many of which they simply cannot afford to lose.

Sundowns were held to a 1–1 draw by Stellenbosch at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday, in a game they appeared set to win, which would have marked their 11th consecutive league victory.

However, former Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, currently on loan at Stellenbosch, converted a late penalty to ensure the points were shared, leaving Cardoso incensed during his post-match interview with SuperSport TV.

The draw meant Sundowns missed the opportunity to return to the top of the Betway Premiership standings. They remain in second place on 57 points after 24 matches, one point behind leaders Orlando Pirates, who have played a game more.

Despite this, the title race remains firmly in Sundowns’ hands — if they win their remaining matches, they will secure a ninth consecutive league title.

The congested schedule has forced Cardoso to constantly rotate his squad, even as expectations remain high for the team to maintain its winning culture.

“We always try to line those who are in better condition,” said Cardoso. 

“In two days, we are traveling to Richards Bay on Saturday [for Sunday’s match], and on the day after we arrive, we will arrive in the morning for the following day of the match. On the day after the match, we have to travel to Polokwane. 

“It seems, well, I don’t want to speak. So, as you might imagine, it is important to have the capacity to change some players because we need to avoid injuries; we need to avoid exposing players to something that they cannot control. 

“It is also our part as coaches to deal with it. Today [on Wednesday], we spared Thapelo Morena; we spared Keanu Cupido because we needed to spare them. 

“That was due to the level of exposure they had in the CAF Champions League matches and the demands that we had. 

“There were some risks if you lined them up at the beginning of the match. It is like that. No one is capable of playing seven matches in 21 days without being on the edge of getting injured or being on the edge of not performing. 

“Let’s hope Bafana Bafana will not be highly penalised by what is happening at the moment. But I don’t have to worry about that; I have to worry about our club. I will do everything I can to control I can regarding the next six championship matches for sure.”