Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse believes that coach
Miguel Cardoso will be judged primarily on his performance in the CAF
Champions League, not on early exits from domestic cup competitions.
This comes after Sundounds suffered a surprising Carling Knockout defeat to
lower-ranked Marumo Gallants, intensifying scrutiny on Cardoso due to both
the team’s results and its style of play.
However, Arendse, who won the Champions League with Sundowns in 2016,
insists the Portuguese coach’s job is not yet in immediate danger. He argues
that the club’s primary focus is on conquering Africa again, and Cardoso
will be given a chance to improve on last season’s runner-up finish in the
continental tournament.
“I don’t think he should worry. Not necessarily yet,” Arendse stated. “I
know Sundowns want the big fish. They want the Champions League, so that
competition will give a true reflection on the team… He will be judged on
the Champions League.”
Arendse advocates for patience, noting it’s only fair to give Cardoso a full
season to implement his ideas. “They got to the final last season… I think
it’s only fair that they give him a full season to groom the team in the way
he wants. Give the guy a fair chance.”
Despite the cup setbacks, Sundowns currently sit at the top of the Betway
Premiership. Arendse suggests that this league position, combined with
potential factors like a shortened pre-season and the coach experimenting
with tactics, provides context for their inconsistent form.
“In the long term, you look at it differently with the league and Champions
League coming up,” he concluded, implying that the club’s hierarchy is
taking a broader view of the season’s objectives.
