'I know that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have a lot of fans!' Miguel Cardoso insists Mamelodi Sundowns players deserve more PSL awards - 'The trophies, performances, data and numbers are there'

Mamelodi Sundowns won their eighth consecutive Premier Soccer League title a couple of days ago.

This was the club's ninth crown in a decade, and 15th in total.

The title was Miguel Cardoso's first in South Africa, after joining the Brazilians just six games into the campaign following Manqoba Mngqithi's dismissal.

Ahead of the annual Premier Soccer League's gala, Cardoso has urged the organisers to consider his players.

He argues they outperformed the likes of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, who have massive followings in Mzansi.

The former Esperance tactician has further challenged South Africans to rally behind Masandawana.

“I know that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have a lot of fans, but I also know that this club that I represent has done a wonderful job in representing South Africa,” the Portuguese told MSW.

“When a club wins in South Africa so many times and years in a row is representing the country in the way it does, better than anyone in the last ten years, that respect should be given to this group of players.

“And sometimes, I know I’m new here, but already I can see that’s not how people see this," Cardoso continued.

“It makes me proud that Mamelodi Sundowns is the base of the national team of South Africa, it makes me proud to see how many players are selected.

“I hope that the [PSL] awards of the season are given in general to Mamelodi Sundowns because indeed the trophies, performances, data, and numbers are there," he concluded.

Cardoso hopes his men can finish the job by winning the Caf Champions League final against Pyramids.

He will then focus on the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World Cup to be played from June 14 to July 13 in the United States.