‘They Are Afraid’: Cardoso Slams PSL Scheduling
Miguel Cardoso has called on the leadership of the Premier Soccer League to reconsider its scheduling structure after guiding Mamelodi Sundowns to a historic second CAF Champions League title on Sunday.
Sundowns were crowned African champions after defeating Moroccan giants AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in Rabat, finally bringing continental glory back to Chloorkop after years of near misses.
Despite celebrating one of the biggest achievements in the club’s history, Cardoso once again turned his attention to what he believes is one of the biggest obstacles facing South African clubs competing in Africa — the demanding PSL fixture schedule.
The Portuguese tactician has repeatedly voiced concerns since last season about the lack of consideration shown to clubs representing South Africa in continental competitions.
Cardoso believes teams involved in the CAF Champions League should be given adequate recovery time instead of being forced to play domestic league matches just two or three days before crucial continental fixtures.
“I believe that if South Africa wants to have another team winning the Champions League again soon or in the near future, some dynamics have to change, and it is really important that those dynamics change to provide better conditions,” said Cardoso.
“Look, on Sunday there were three players who are potential Bafana Bafana players who could not play.
“Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas were not here because, in the last month, they were exposed to something that is not normal. They could not play in the final, and they could have been very useful today.
“So it is time for the people in charge of football in South Africa to really think about what they want for the development of football in the country and whether they are creating conditions that truly help teams move forward and support clubs like this one.
“I believe it is possible because the club will continue to work hard to raise the level and keep developing. I am pretty sure of that because I know the people leading it.”
Cardoso also reflected on the intensity of the final itself, revealing how he prepared his players mentally for the hostile atmosphere in Morocco.
Sundowns had to withstand immense pressure throughout the encounter, with AS FAR awarded two penalties during the match. Fortunately for the South African champions, captain Ronwen Williams produced another heroic performance by saving one of the spot-kicks.
The Sundowns coach explained that he encouraged his players to embrace the atmosphere rather than fear it.
“I told the players that if we felt hostility, whistles or booing from the crowd, it had to be because of fear, nothing more,” he added.
“When people are hostile towards you, it is because they are afraid and they want to make you feel smaller.
“But I have played against Esperance Tunis before, and we have been in environments that were even tougher and more aggressive than this one. This was a final, and we enjoyed the atmosphere. These players enjoy these kinds of occasions.
“Obviously, we have some very young players, and I could feel that a few of them were slightly affected. But that is also how they will become stronger in the future because they are the future of this club.
“The exposure to these conditions will make all of us better. I did not feel anything too aggressive from the outside. It is normal when you play in a country that is so passionate about football and has such a deep love for the game.
“It is also completely different from what we have in South Africa, and that is beautiful as well. It may not be as aggressive towards the opposition, but it is beautiful to see our people dancing and cheering for the team.”
