Mamelodi Sundowns face turmoil before cup semi-final with Orlando Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns face off-field turmoil and a challenging start to the season as they prepare for the MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates, with midfielder Matias Esquivel’s departure adding to the drama. Seen here: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
It’s not been a perfect start to the new season for reigning Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, and now it has emerged that there are off-field issues with the club.
It’s not a unique situation for a football club at the start of a new season to have players leaving the club, but the manner in which midfielder Matias Esquivel’s time with the side was spent is concerning.
Esquivel was signed by Sundowns last year under former coach Rulani Mokwena, but did not feature much after Miguel Cardoso took the reins.
It’s natural when a new coach takes over for certain players not to fit well into the new style, but the way Esquivel plays was not the issue.
Cardoso Praises Matias’ Potential but Questions His Perseverance
“Matias is a very good player, and he will succeed wherever he goes,” Cardoso told SABC Sport.
“I also didn’t give him many opportunities, but at some point, Matias didn’t show any perseverance or real willingness to get into the team.”
It’s a bit of a damning assessment by Cardoso to question the player’s perseverance and now it makes perfect sense that Esquivel has been reportedly linked with a move to Greece.
Sundowns vs. Pirates: MTN8 Semi-Final Preview
The timing of Cardoso’s comments comes a matter of days before Sundowns take on Orlando Pirates in their first-leg semi-final in the MTN8 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Sundowns have a win and a draw in the first two matches of the league, as the champions go in search of their ninth league title in a row. It means the Brazilians are in an unfamiliar fifth position on the log, while Pirates, after two losses, are way down in 14th.
It all means both sides could be even more motivated to buoy their spirits with a cup win in what should be an intriguing clash. Kick-off is at 3pm.