Miguel Cardoso’s Calabash explosion exposes cracks at Mamelodi Sundowns

Miguel Cardoso’s outburst at the post-match press conference following Mamelodi Sundowns’ stalemate with Kaizer Chiefs this week has evoked mixed feelings.

The Sundowns coach lost his cool for most of the presser after being asked whether that draw was enough to buy him time at the helm, and whether his team could be forgiven for underperforming against one of their biggest rivals.

His reaction was understandable. Sundowns were always going to struggle to hit the ground running this season, having been fatigued after a hectic schedule in recent months, which included playing in the coveted CAF Champions League final and the Club World Cup.

Some of his regulars have had stand-offs with the club over contractual issues – including last season’s PSL Footballer of the Season, Lucas Ribeiro, and one of the best right-backs in the country, Khuliso Mudau – with neither having played a single game this season.

So, having had to start the season with such disruptions on the horizon, Cardoso was always going to find it difficult to run a watertight ship. Ribeiro, moreover, was no ordinary player, having also won the Goal of the Tournament at the global showpiece in the US.

Cardoso’s challenges further mounted when key players – including captain and talisman Themba Zwane – sustained injuries. Zwane was ruled out for at least two months after the MTN8 semi-final first leg. The injury list extended further as players such as Grant Kekana also joined the medical room, destabilising the team’s defensive structure.

But despite Cardoso sounding honest in citing “injuries and managing players’ demands off the pitch destabilised the team,” he is the last person who should be complaining about anything at Sundowns.

Sundowns have the most depth in the PSL, and one of the best squads on the continent. Many of their players could easily walk into the starting line-ups of their direct rivals, both domestically and continentally.

A renowned coach must always make hay while the sun shines – ensuring he has suitable and ever-ready replacements when regulars are unavailable.

Cardoso, however, clearly didn’t read the script. While he says it is part of the club’s long-term vision to integrate more youngsters into the team, he also laments that they are not yet ready to be regulars.

But what happened to the old belief that “if someone is good enough, then they are old enough”? Clearly, Cardoso doesn’t fully subscribe to that notion.

Granted, every team is beatable – even though we’ve seen “invincible” campaigns before. But Cardoso can’t hide behind that excuse, especially as the coach of one of the biggest clubs on the continent.

He should be smarter with his responses, particularly as some Masandawana fans are baying for his blood. After the MTN8 semi-final defeat to Orlando Pirates, supporters attempted to confront the team bus and chanted “Makahamb’uCardoso” (Cardoso Must Leave) following the draw with Chiefs at the Calabash.

Cardoso also hasn’t helped himself by “overlooking” some of the players at his disposal. Peter Shalulile, for example, continues to battle for game-time this season despite his well-documented scoring prowess in the league.

Shalulile is just one goal away from becoming the PSL’s all-time top goal scorer, having matched Siyabonga Nomvethe’s tally of 129. At just 31, he still has much to offer, despite rumours linking him with a move away due to limited playing opportunities.

Cardoso’s decision to sideline players during crunch moments has already come back to haunt him. His choice not to field the talismanic and fan-favourite Zwane in the Champions League sparked huge backlash from the media, Masandawana fans, and neutrals after the team eventually lost the tie.

So, with Sundowns set to face Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, Cardoso can’t afford to stumble, as a victory could buy him time at the helm heading into the FIFA break.

But should he fail, he may very well need to start thinking about his next move – as his explosive outburst deep in the bowels of the Calabash has already evoked mixed reactions.