Cardoso makes promise to Yellow Nation, confirms reinforcements

Miguel Cardoso has confirmed that Mamelodi Sundowns will strengthen their squad during the January transfer window, even with CAF Champions League football no longer on the agenda this season.

The Sundowns head coach has had to negotiate part of the first half of this campaign minus key players Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams, and Khuliso Mudau, with Keanu Cupido, Kegan Johannes, and Grant Kekana also amongst those suffering injuries.

READ: Mosimane in waiting about Downs injury concerns

With all that is happening, the Tshwane giants are expected to bring Ecuador international Jhegson Méndez’s in January.

Cardoso addresses the CAF heartbreak

"We have a big responsibility up until the FIFA break because we need to position ourselves in these four matches that we had to play; two we have played already," says Cardoso speaking to the media.

"On Tuesday, we have the Carling, and then on the weekend we have the CAF Super Cup.

"We had a big setback [CAF Champions League exit] to our season… it was an important moment that we should have accomplished, but we did not.

"So, we need to deal with that responsibility, and the only thing we can do is to be as strong as we can."

A promise to the Sundowns faithful

With their Champions League ambitions now over, the Portuguese tactician has vowed to give it their all in the remaining competitions.

"The only thing I can promise to Mamelodi Sundowns fans is that we are going to push to fight for everything we can. We don’t promise nothing, but we promise work and determination and a lot of commitment."

He explained that fans will be integral to these objectives.

"We need them. We need the energy from the fans," he continued. "We need everybody to be positive around the team.

"We have been suffering also with losses [due to injuries], but players are coming back.

"They will come back. The team will proceed.

"We will develop once…we will proceed with the others soon.

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"We will have reinforcements, and that will make us stronger.

"I’m happy, but I’m thinking about Tuesday already because we have a knockout again, so there is no time for a lot of rest because on Sunday we have another job.

"Tuesday is the most important match of our lives, and that is how we have to think at Sundowns, always about the next one," says Cardoso.

Staying grounded as the season builds

Victory provides momentum, but Cardoso is determined to keep his squad grounded as the season builds.

"Of course, working over victories gives positive energy, gives good emotions, but should not lift our feet from the ground because it is with our feet on the ground that we can take steps.

"So, that’s my job here: to make the players understand, make them believe, make them create trust between themselves, to show that we still have a lot to do.

"As much as the season is still a child, as much as we already have good things, and also bad ones, we need to develop resilience, attitude, character, and fight against everything that we have on our way.

"And then in the end, we will make the balance.

"And let’s see if we can position ourselves in a good spot," says Cardoso.

Photo: Alche Greeff/Gallo Images

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Betway Premiership Caf Champions League Caf Super Cup Carling Knockout Cup Mamelodi Sundowns Miguel Cardoso News