Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Benson Mhlongo has labelled calls for
a mid-season coaching change at the club as “suicidal,” urging patience
despite recent fan frustration.
Following a 2-2 draw against Sudan’s Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League, a
section of Sundowns supporters voiced their discontent, calling for the
removal of coach Miguel Cardoso and the return of former mentor Pitso
Mosimane.
In an exclusive interview with PSLSA, Mhlongo strongly cautioned against
such a move. “Changing coaches at this point in time could be suicidal. A
new coach will change a lot of things,” he stated. “I think they are not
doing that bad. The supporters are spoiled from the past seasons. They
forget that other teams are catching up.”
Mhlongo argued that the perception of a decline at Sundowns is misguided.
Instead, he attributes the tightened title race to an improved standard
among their traditional rivals.
“We can’t say Sundowns has changed. Teams are now catching up,” Mhlongo
explained. “Orlando Pirates is now winning its own games. Kaizer Chiefs are
also winning games. I think the other big teams have stepped up in the
competition. So it’s not about Sundowns not creating a gap, but the teams
are catching up, especially the big ones. Supporters expect a huge gap,
which is disrespect to the other teams.”
Currently, Sundowns sit atop the Premiership with 29 points from 14 games.
Orlando Pirates are second with the same points tally but hold a game in
hand, while Kaizer Chiefs are close behind in third with 27 points from 14
matches.
The focus now shifts to domestic action, as Miguel Cardoso’s
side travels to Polokwane today to face a challenging encounter against
Sekhukhune United.
