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Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage
Seth Willis

Mamelodi Sundowns' Miguel Cardoso adamant 'it is never enough' with critics as he believes ‘If we beat a team by five goals it's because opposition is weak’

The Brazilians have been criticised when they putting below-par standards owing to the quality within their squad, which is made up of experienced members. The former Esperance coach insists it is not the right way to gauge the team since their rivals seem to get a soft landing.

  • Mamelodi Sundowns, CAF Champions LeagueBackpagepix

    Sundowns' season at the moment

    The defending Premier Soccer League champions did not start the season as anticipated, especially in the domestic competitions.

    It did not go well in the MTN8, where they fell to the eventual champions, Orlando Pirates, in the semi-final berth.

    Masandawana were also eliminated from the Carling Knockout in the initial stage, which was not what they anticipated.

    In the PSL, they have so far played 10 games and managed six wins, three draws, and a loss, which is a downgrade from what they achieved last season.

    However, they are close to making the CAF Champions League group stage after a big 5-1 win against a Nigerian outfit in the first leg of the final preliminary hurdle played last weekend.

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    Why Sundowns are under the limelight

    Sundowns added four quality players to their current squad: Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch), Tsiki Ntsabeleng (on loan from FC Dallas), Nuno Santos (Vitoria Guimaraes SC), and Miguel Reisinho.

    It was a valuable addition to an already star-studded Masandawana team that had impressed in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

    They have arguably the best and valuable squad in the country, as opposed to other teams, explaining the interest from all quarters.

    However, coach Miguel Cardoso feels they should not be judged harshly.

  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns, October 2025Backpage

    Cardoso feels Sundowns are always unfairly targeted

    "For Sundowns, it seems like it is never enough. If we defeat a team by scoring five goals, it is because the opposition is weak, so it really is never enough," he told the media.
    "We are held to a higher standard, but that's a good thing," Cardoso concluded. 

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  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025Backpage

    The main assignment for Cardoso this season

    Well, last season, Sudnowns reached the CAF Champions League final but narrowly fell to Pyramids, who had gone past Orlando Pirates in the semi-final.

    Cardoso has to deliver this season the continental crown, alongside the PSL title that they have won for the last eight seasons in a row.

    Masandawana also need to make an impact in the Nedbank Cup after failing to deliver in the MTN8 and Carling Knockout.

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