Sundowns win 4-2, but Cardoso slams ‘insane’ fixture schedule
The Mamelodi Sundowns head coach has labelled their fixture schedule as insane after their victory over Sekhukhune United
Mamelodi Sundowns comfortably defeated Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership last night. They secured a 4-2 victory away from home, extending their lead over Orlando Pirates to 15 points, although the Sea Robbers now have four matches in hand.
Goals from Thapelo Morena, Lucas Suarez, Lucas Ribeiro, and Arthur Sales contributed to a convincing victory for The Brazilians. However, they were disappointed to concede goals to Katlego Otladisa and Keletso Makgalwa.
4⃣ goals from 4⃣ different goalscorers!
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 27, 2025
Which was your favourite and why? 🧏#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/LAtVckn298
“Unfortunately, we suffered this stupid second goal,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.
“It was not my plan. In this moment, there is no need for this. Overconfidence sometimes makes you make mistakes.”
“In that moment I was preparing two substitutions to replace two players, and I could not do them.”
“I should not have pushed the players to such limits, but we needed to win today and then we think about tomorrow”
Despite the victory, the Masandawana head coach was left bemoaning their hectic fixture congestion.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS HAVE NOW PLAYED EIGHT MATCHES IN FEBRUARY
The Brazilians have averaged a match every three days this month alone.
“I can only repeat it, it’s absolutely insane what’s happening to Sundowns,” he added.
“The schedule is insane, it’s not normal. It doesn’t respect the human being, and I think it should be fought and well-considered because I don’t know how it’s possible.
“But we keep alive, we struggle, and we continue pushing forward for sure.”
Although demanding, this fixture congestion is nothing new to Mamelodi Sundowns.
FIXTURE CONGESTION HAS BEEN A STAPLE TO THE BRAZILIANS IN RECENT YEARS
Rulani Mokwena and several other previous head coaches have complained about this. However, the caveat has always been that big teams suffer from fixture congestion because they participate in many competitions.
This is why Mamelodi Sundowns consistently invests in its large squad—to compete at a high level in all its competitions, namely the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, and CAF Champions League.
Last month, Soccer Laduma reported that Miguel Cardoso wanted to reduce the squad, which has, over 40 players, using the expression “Sundowns has four teams.” This demonstrates the depth of their squad.
If anything, their extensive squad should be maximised in such conditions. This is why their complaints about playing regularly continue to fall on deaf ears.
MIGUEL CARDOSO WILL NOT RECEIVE MUCH SYMPATHY
For years, the Brazilians have purchased the best players available, stating that they play in several tournaments and need a large squad to manage them all.
So, do they have reason to complain now that they face fixture congestion? What was the purpose of investing in their team?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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