Did Miguel Cardoso surpass expectations or flop at Mamelodi Sundowns? The Portuguese coach assessed - 'There were one or two decisions where you questioned it'

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Brent Carelse has assessed Miguel Cardoso's first Premier Soccer League season.

Carelse admits Cardoso's decisions were at times questionable, but stresses the tactician made them based on his knowledge of his players.

"Look, there were certain decisions he (Cardoso) made; obviously it's his decisions to make, who starts and who he brings on. We're on the outside; we can debate and have opinions as much as we can, but we don't spend every day with the players," Carelse told Soccer Laduma.

"So we don't know exactly what's going on, you know, but yes, there were one or two decisions where you questioned it. Why is this one coming on? Why is this one coming off? Things like that," he added.

The retired midfielder has also praised the Masandawana players who delivered when they were called to.

"But I think overall, at the end of the day, the players who are chosen to start and the ones on the bench, they all have a job to do, and I think, as we know, Sundowns have a big squad with a lot of quality," he added.

"So I don't see such a huge problem with that. I think if it were any other coach, yes, his decisions would be different, but we don't know what the outcome would have been."

"I'm just proud of what they achieved when called upon; whoever was given an opportunity did their best, and they made us proud."

Despite his capability being questioned at the beginning of his reign at the Tshwane giants, Cardoso managed to help the Brazilians defend the league title, for what was a record eight consecutive trophies.

However, the questions and criticism began again when Sundowns failed to advance past the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup.

The Portuguese tactician was even put under more of a spotlight when the PSL heavyweights failed to lift the CAF Champions League.

Apart from his performance, the former Esperance tactician found himself questioned occasionally on his choices of players and the decision to bench Themba Zwane for crucial games.

The 2025/26 season will give Cardoso another chance to prove his critics wrong by going further and lifting more titles.

To start the season on a strong footing, Sundowns need to ensure they succeed in the MTN8 tournament for a proper morale booster.