Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes his side are ready for another demanding campaign after completing an emotionally challenging but highly productive pre-season camp in Austria.
The Brazilians rounded off their preparations with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Qatari top-flight side Al Sailiya SC, providing another confidence boost ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City.
However, Coach Cardoso admits the trip was about much more than football after the tragic passing of midfielder Jayden Adams interrupted the Club’s preparations.
“The pre-season camp in Austria was very important for us, not only in terms of football but also in terms of emotions. We had to return because it was important for us to attend the memorial service and stand together as a Club during such a difficult period. Those moments affect everyone and as much as we are football professionals, we are also human beings who care deeply for one another.”
“When we returned to Austria, it became much more than just a training camp. It allowed us to stay together as a group and go through those emotions collectively. We shared difficult moments, but we also shared love, support and togetherness. By the end of the camp, I felt we had healed in many ways and finished in the right emotional space to begin the season.”
The Masandawana coach was equally pleased with the work done on the training pitch, saying the level of opposition during the tour gave Sundowns exactly the type of preparation they needed.
“From the sporting side, it was a fantastic opportunity for us to compete against tough opponents. These are the kinds of matches that challenge your organisation, your mentality and your physical condition. Every game gave us something valuable and I believe the players responded very well.”
The pre-season also allowed Cardoso to give several academy players valuable minutes alongside the Club’s established stars, something he says is central to his long-term vision.
“The job of a coach is to produce a legacy. A legacy comes from winning trophies and producing results, but it also comes from developing players who become part of the Club’s future. It is about creating continuity and making sure Mamelodi Sundowns continues to grow year after year. We did not bring these young players into the squad as a favour to anyone. They earned their opportunities through their performances and their attitude. We believe they are important players, not only for the future but for the present as well because we know we have a very busy season ahead.”
“I have been very happy with how they have integrated into the senior environment. Every day they are becoming more confident, they are learning what it means to train and play at this level and they are gradually understanding the intensity, discipline and standards required to succeed at Mamelodi Sundowns.”
The reigning African Champions have also strengthened the squad with the arrivals of Cassius Mailula, Antonio Van Wyk and Siyanda Ndlovu. Van Wyk has already caught the eye after scoring during the Club’s pre-season fixture against Hertha Berlin, while all three could make their official debuts in the clash against Polokwane City.
With the MTN8 campaign beginning this weekend, Cardoso says there is only one objective.
“We prepare to win every match we play because that is the mentality at this Football Club. Last season we were eliminated from the domestic cup competitions through penalty shootouts and those are always heartbreaking moments because after so much hard work, your fate is decided by very fine margins. We do not want to experience that feeling again. We know Polokwane City will be a difficult opponent and they have already shown they can compete after winning their opening league match. We respect them, but our responsibility is to impose ourselves from the beginning.”
“It is very important for us to start the season strongly. A good first performance builds confidence, creates momentum and sets the right tone for everything that follows. We have our objectives for this season and every match we play is another opportunity to move closer to those goals.”
The Portuguese mentor also paid tribute to the Yellow Nation, acknowledging the role supporters continue to play in the Club’s success.
“Our supporters have always stood by this team, whether we are playing at home, away or on the continent. We want to remain united with them because they are an important part of this Football Club. We ask them to continue showing their love for the boys because the players feel that support every time they step onto the pitch. Together we can make this another memorable season.”
With pre-season preparations complete, several new faces ready to make their mark and confidence high following last season’s CAF Champions League triumph, Mamelodi Sundowns now turn their full attention to Saturday’s MTN8 quarter-final, where another quest for silverware begins in front of the Yellow Nation.
