Cardoso backs Reisinho to strengthen Sundowns after Arrows setback

The Brazilians suffered their first Betway Premiership defeat of the season on Heritage Day, losing 1–0 to Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium after a first-half strike from Junior Dion.

Cardoso downplayed the setback, insisting it won’t derail their campaign, and pointed to new signings like Reisinho and Nuno Santos — who debuted against Arrows — as the depth needed for Sundowns to bounce back quickly

"It was clear that we needed to reinforce the team in the front-lines and it was hard work right up until the last moment because these players who have great quality, means that it is not easy to sign them.

"The business was difficult, and I think everything is in order to announce him. From the start of the season, it has been difficult for us to introduce changes from the bench, but that will change soon."

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Cardoso did lament not getting the transfers over the line quicker, but added it’s now important to focus on picking up points moving forward.

"We are not looking for someone to take the place of Lucas Ribeiro, we are looking to enforce the team as a whole. Every player has their own unique and particular characteristics.

Sundowns have struggled without their best player last season in Lucas Ribiero, however, Cardoso wants the squad to find a new way of overcoming tough situations in the current campaign.

The Portuguese mentor is embracing the challenge of defending the league title without Ribeiro, while acknowledging that rival clubs have also strengthened.