The pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns FC is reaching a peak this March. The squad is balancing a heavy domestic load with continental ambitions. Coach Miguel Cardoso recently shared his views on the current fixture congestion. He indicated a desire for more support from football authorities to aid their international campaign.
Challenges of a Compressed Domestic and Continental Calendar
The schedule remains a significant hurdle for the club. Sundowns face Lamontville Golden Arrows this Wednesday at Loftus Versfeld. This match is followed by a league encounter with Orbit College FC next Tuesday at Olympia Stadium. Cardoso noted that the opposition did not agree to move the game to an earlier weekend slot.
The CAF Champions League quarterfinals add further complexity to the calendar. Sundowns host Stade Malien on Friday, March 13. The team then travels to Bamako for the return leg on March 22. However, they must also play Marumo Gallants FC on March 17. This domestic match was brought forward from March 21 to accommodate the travel.
Cardoso highlights the structural differences in other African leagues. He points out that in Tunisia, domestic matches are often paused for Champions League participants. The coach suggests that the PSL and SAFA might benefit from understanding what is best for South African football representation. The squad has already played 11 matches since January 19. Sundowns are the most active club in South African football today.
The situation reflects a broader challenge for elite clubs. Finding a balance between domestic obligations and international representation is a delicate task. Despite these challenges, Cardoso remains focused on the performance of his players. He expects the squad to rise to the occasion during this intense period.
Source: kickoff.com
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