Goal.com
Live
+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage
Kiplagat Sang

Miguel Cardoso blames Orbit College for refusing to postpone PSL game against Mamelodi Sundowns 'they don't want to help South Africa's only team in CAF Champions League'

Going forward, Masandawana will be the busiest side among the Premier Soccer League sides. The Tshwane giants are the only club from the country with additional continental duties. That means the technical bench must come with a strategy that will make use of every player as they juggle the busy calendar.

  • Mamelodi Sundowns, March 2026Backpage

    Disadvantage for Sundowns?

    After failing to win the Nedbank Cup and the Carling Knockout, Mamelodi Sundowns are chasing the Premier Soccer League and the CAF Champions League glories to salvage the season.

    The Brazilians are facing a strong challenge from Orlando Pirates in the PSL race. Bucs already have two trophies in their cabinet after defending the MTN8 and winning the Carling Knockout, and this is considered a morale-boosting factor in a tight campaign.

    As the Sea Robbers focus only on the PSL race, Downs, on the other hand, will balance between domestic and continental campaigns. In this case, many believe the Soweto giants have an advantage.

    One of the challenges that Downs will face is a congested calendar. Looking for a local solution, Masandawana head coach Miguel Cardoso said they asked Orbit College to have their game postponed, but their prayer was not answered.

    • Advertisement
  • Orbit College playersBackpagepix

    When will Downs face Orbit College?

    The Tshwane giants are expected to face Orbit College next Tuesday, and then on March 13, they will host Stade Malien for a CAF Champions League quarter-final showdown.

    According to the former Esperance tactician, Orbit College should have accepted their request, as this would have helped them have ample time in preparing to face their continental rivals.

  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns, February 2026Backpage

    Request turned down

    “We tried to push off Orbit College that is on Tuesday; we are playing Stade Malien on Friday. We asked Orbit to allow us to play the match before Saturday and Sunday, and they don’t agree; they don’t want to help a team that is a South African representative and the only one in the CAFCL to have more chances to perform in that match," Cardoso told the media.

    “I think that is something that PSL should do, and the football federation should understand what is better for South African football regarding how we represent ourselves in the international competition.

    “And in between the two matches against Stade Malien, we're going to play again in the PSL, so it’s the football we have. I am not complaining; I just state the things, and I hope the players will give the answers that will be good so that we will be up to the challenges," he added.

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Mamelodi Sundowns, February 2026Mamelodi Sundowns

    Will PSL help Sundowns?

    Last season, as the Pretoria-based outfit faced a congested calendar, Cardoso complained and said PSL must have acted to help South Africa's Champions League representatives.

    This season, the Portuguese tactician has raised the same concern, and what remains now is to see whether PSL will intervene or not.

    After a gruelling campaign in the group stage, Downs finally managed to book their place in the last eight and could face the same challenge as last season. Their ambition is to win a second continental star after coming so close last season.

0