by Benjamin Nyirenda

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has admitted that leading a team of Sundowns’ stature is a demanding task, especially given the depth of talent at his disposal.

Speaking to reporters at the PSL Offices in Johannesburg during a Nedbank Cup round of 32 press conference on Monday afternoon, Cardoso explained that there are many factors influencing his selection decisions—factors not always understood by those who are not in his technical team.

Sundowns are set to host Gomora United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 19h30.

“I think that I have a very tough job, very tough. Sometimes it is so easy for people that look from outside. It seems that there is a coach in every fan of football, I’m not criticising yourselves. Everybody that speaks about South African football is a coach. And most of the people are not aware of all the information that I have gathered and that I have available so that I make my decisions,” he said.

Recently, Cardoso has faced criticism following some disappointing results, particularly in the CAF Champions League matches against Sudan’s Al Hilal, where Sundowns drew 2-2 at home and then lost 2-1 away.

He also shared that his assistant coaches sometimes find humour in public opinions, especially when fans suggest playing certain players who are actually unavailable due to injury.

“My assistants and I laugh about some of the things we read—like people claiming I don’t favour (Mothobi) Mvala, when in reality Mvala isn’t available for selection. Managing this squad is truly a challenge because I have to balance not just the team as a whole, but also the nuances of each position,” Cardoso said.

Sundowns aim to progress to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup and aspire to reach the final, hoping to lift the Ke Yona trophy. Meanwhile, they currently sit second in the Betway Premiership, trailing Orlando Pirates by just two points.