Mamelodi Sundowns concerned over player welfare in fixture pile-up

The Brazilians travel to KwaMhlanga on Saturday to face The Rockets just three days after an energy-sapping Betway Premiership top of the table showdown against Orlando Pirates, which they edged 2-1.

Cardoso stressed that player welfare must take priority.

"From the 14 February up to 22 March, we have 12 matches to play. You can only take it  one game at a time. Obviously, not all competitions are on the same level — with all due respect to Nedbank Cup and the Championship. the [CAF] Champions League is [CAF] Champions League. But we are in the moment, and we will have to manage players because of the matches we've already played. We are not going to rotate now because its the cup but because its the moment," said Cardoso

READ: Miguel Cardoso explains Sundowns’ tactical edge in Pirates win

The Sundowns coach added that there’s risk involved in rotation but as he manages the load, fringe players have to step up.

Cardoso said as he figures out the PSL landscape, it would benefit all coaches and clubs to put their heads together and discuss the scheduling of matches.

"I think in the future it will be very beneficial for everybody if the agents of the game that can gather and discuss some of the things — I'm speaking about coaches sitting down to discuss some things and also receive some information. We need to open up a common ground for discussion where, for sure, South Africa will benefit."

The Portuguese mentor also explained further why some players were showing signs of fatigue and asking to be subbed off against Pirates.