Cape Town – Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is keen for his squad to emerge from the upcoming international break fully fit as they gear up for an intense group‑stage campaign in the CAF Champions League.
Injuries have disrupted the squad at a critical time: captain Themba Zwane and promising youngster Malibongwe Khoza are among the sidelined, while defender Mothobi Mvala remains out long‑term.
According to idiskitimes, Cardoso’s said in his recent update, “We have some more severe issues like Mothobi Mvala, who had surgery last week… Then the other issues we have are smaller issues. … We have Temba also on his … recovery process.”
Cardoso emphasised that while January reinforcements may arrive, his immediate focus is on extracting maximum performance from the present squad.
“It’s important to understand that regarding the squad, no coach is ever pleased, even if they say they are,” Cardoso remarked, reflecting a sentiment common among managers who strive for excellence.
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He added: “All coaches want to improve the level (standard) of their squad. January is still far away, and for now, we should focus on getting the best from the players we have. There is a lot of potential in those who have not played regularly.”
Adding to the voice of experience, Zwane spoke about the group‑stage challenge ahead and the mindset needed for continental success. He stressed: “Talent alone is not enough to win the Champions League… you need to put the work in too.”
He also underlined the importance of the squad turning up both mentally and physically for the tough schedule ahead, as reported by Sunday Independent
“To be honest, there needs to be a lot of calm.
“I understand how they feel, but at the moment we need them to be positive for the team. It’s still early; there are some players that are still adjusting to the team, as they were not there in the pre-season camp. But hopefully they will adjust quicker, and we can get back to the standard that we’re used to as a team,” the report quoted him as saying.
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Sundowns will open their CAF campaign against Angola’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo and face tough Group C rivals, including Sudan’s Al Hilal and MC Alger, led by former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.
Their recent form in the competition has been strong: Sundowns reached the final of the CAF Champions League in the 2024‑25 season.
For the club, the international window offers more than patient healing.
It provides an opportunity to reset fitness, sharpen tactical cohesion, and reinforce the “whole‑club” mindset. Zwane’s call for calm amid early‑season domestic turbulence highlights the dual heading of domestic and continental focus.
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