Why were Mngqithi soldiers Komphela & Mweene retained by Cardoso? 'I need to absorb as quickly as possible'

On Tuesday, Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed parting ways with head coach Manqoba Mngqithi and his assistant Romain Folz.

The former had taken over from Rhulani Mokwena who parted ways with the club in July. Former AmaZulu coach Folz was brought in to strengthen the technical team.

Portuguese Miguel Cardoso was confirmed as the new man at the club.

Cardoso arrived at Chloorkop with three men, Fabio Fernandes, Pedro Azevedo, and Joao Araujo as part of his backroom staff.

Steve Komphela, who was brought back to the club to help Mngqithi early in the season, was retained alongside goalkeepers' coach Kennedy Mweene.

The Portuguese has justified his decision to retain the duo at the club.

“I feel very happy with the staff I have, it was a common decision to keep Steve Komphela and Kennedy with us, I need to absorb as quickly as possible, not only their [knowledge] but they can help us with the quality of their work,” the 52-year-old told the media.

“Their experience they have, but the fact they are locals, and they can give us the insights we need, it’s the couple of factors that made them be among or with me today.

"It was a decision we made, not imposed, otherwise I could not speak and say this in front of you.

"It was my decision to really absorb them because I felt it can be key but not only them, I will also work with all the physical performance department, I will work together with Mathias [Zangenberg] and Sandiso who were already here," Cardoso concluded.

After missing out on the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, Sundowns have another battle with Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League.

The Brazilians are also in the race for the Caf Champions League which they are desperate to win.

Cardoso is aware of those targets and will be hoping Komphela and Mweene will help him deliver.