Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso is calling for a tactical shift in scheduling. He wants the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to consider the heavy load on teams representing South Africa in the CAF Champions League.
The Brazilians have secured their spot in the quarterfinals. Those matches begin next month. However, the club is currently balancing a very demanding schedule.
A Juggling Act for Success
Sundowns are currently chasing the Betway Premiership title. They are also active in the Nedbank Cup, where a clash with TS Galaxy awaits. Cardoso believes that for South African clubs to thrive continentally, they need better calendar protection.
The coach highlighted the physical toll of African football. He noted that while trips may look simple, the actual conditions are often grueling. He cited past matches against Al-Hilal and Lupopo as examples of how quickly fatigue can set in.
The Value of Preparation
Sundowns recently defeated MC Alger 2-0 at Loftus Versfeld. Before that game, the team enjoyed a rare full week of preparation. Cardoso attributed their strong performance and clear game plan to this extra time.
He argues that having “air in the lungs” is essential for high-stakes knockout football. Without a break from domestic fixtures, maintaining that intensity becomes difficult.
High Stakes in the Quarterfinals
The Champions League draw is set for Tuesday. Sundowns finished as runners-up in Group C. This means they are unseeded for the next round.
Potential opponents include defending champions Pyramids FC, Al Ahly, and Stade Malien. Facing these giants requires peak physical condition.
Balancing domestic dominance with continental glory remains the ultimate test for the Chloorkop side. Structural support from the league could be the deciding factor in their quest for a second star.
As the team prepares for these tough matchups, fans are already looking at the latest match predictions to see how the Brazilians might fare.
Source: citizen.co.za