Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has to manage Themba Zwane, give fringe players a chance while dealing with the future of Peter Shalulile and his contribution to the PSL giants

Every team dreams of hitting the ground running at the start of a new season, and for Sundowns, this is not just a wish but a necessity. But "starting strong" doesn't necessarily mean dominating the Premiership from day one, which they’ve mastered in recent years, winning it eight times on the spin. This time, the urgency lies in approaching the new season with a fresh intensity, especially in competitions that have historically eluded them. Their first official assignment is an MTN8 clash against Richards Bay, a tournament where Sundowns have curiously struggled. With only four MTN8 titles since 1988, it's a record that leaves much to be desired for a club of their stature. Cardoso has a golden opportunity - and a responsibility - to rewrite this narrative. The dominance of Orlando Pirates in recent editions adds extra motivation. Cardoso must rally his troops to break this hoodoo and set a tone that says: this Sundowns side means business in every competition.

Managing a veteran like Themba Zwane is no easy task - just ask Cardoso. The backlash was swift and fierce when he left the Sundowns skipper out of both legs of the Champions League final against Pyramids. Supporters were left stunned, and Cardoso found himself juggling tactics with the expectations of a passionate fan base. But now comes the moment of truth. Zwane, at 35, is no longer the tireless midfield engine of seasons past. While he remains an influential figure - both on and off the pitch - realism must prevail. Cardoso needs to strike a delicate balance in respecting Zwane’s legacy and leadership while also being strategic about his minutes. The Fifa Club World Cup showed that Zwane can still deliver, but asking him to feature week in and week out is no longer sustainable. A candid conversation between coach and captain will be key to aligning expectations, preserving Zwane’s impact, and maintaining harmony within the squad.

As Cardoso embarks on his first pre-season with the Brazilians, one of his most important tasks will be to evaluate his entire squad with fresh eyes. This is the time to push reset - to give every player, especially those on the fringes, a clean slate. The temptation to rely on last season’s regulars is understandable, but pre-season is not just about continuity - it's about discovery. Players like Terrence Mashego, Keanu Cupido, Bathusi Aubaas, Siyabonga Mabena, Thapelo Maseko, and Jody February have been waiting in the wings. Now is their chance to step up. Cardoso must create an environment where every player feels seen, valued, and trusted to compete for a starting spot. Rotating the squad, experimenting with combinations, and rewarding hunger over hierarchy will serve him well, both in the short term and deeper into a long season.

As things stand, Peter Shalulile’s contract with the club expired at the end of last season, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering about his future. The silence around his status only adds fuel to the speculation - will he be offered a new deal, or is the club ready to move on without him? While whispers of contract talks may be circulating behind closed doors, the reality on the pitch tells a different story. Under Cardoso’s management, Shalulile has found himself sidelined more often than not, with preference given to players like Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales, and Lucas Ribeiro. This limited game time raises pressing questions about where Shalulile fits into the coach’s plans moving forward. The matter of Shalulile’s contract cannot linger unresolved for much longer. If Sundowns decide to renew his deal - and many would argue they should - then it must come with a commitment to offer him significantly more playing time than he saw last season. Shalulile has proven his worth, and it’s high time that value is reflected not just on paper, but on the pitch as well, as he is in the debate for the best strikers ever in the PSL.

For Cardoso, the Champions League is more than just a competition - it’s unfinished business. After reaching the final with Esperance in 2023/24 and again with Sundowns last season, only to fall short both times, he’s undoubtedly chasing that elusive third-time charm. But trophies at this level are never won by luck alone. It will take meticulous planning, clever squad rotation, and strategic foresight. With the PSL title often looking like Sundowns' to lose, Cardoso must structure the entire campaign around continental glory. That includes managing player fatigue, especially for those juggling national team duties in a looming Africa Cup of Nations year. Depth will be his best friend, and rotation, his weapon. If Sundowns are to finally lift the Caf crown under Cardoso, it will require more than ambition - it will demand precise execution, season-long endurance, and a coach brave enough to make bold, sometimes unpopular, decisions.

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