Miguel Cardoso hits out again at schedule ahead of Stade Malien clash

By Mazola Molefe
12th March 2026

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso maintains there is a lack of support for the club’s CAF Champions League campaign.

Ahead of Friday night’s quarterfinal first leg against Stade Malien at Loftus Versfeld, the Portuguese mentor suggested the congested domestic schedule was making their continental challenge more difficult.

Cardoso believes the situation is compounded by Sundowns being forced to play on pitches that do not suit their possession-based style, arguing it limits the free-flowing football The Brazilians are known for.

"Sundowns played two days ago and we play tomorrow night again. Between the two legs in the Champions league, we will also be playing against Marumo Gallants. Out of all the teams left in the competition, no one has matches between the two legs, except for us."

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To support his argument, Cardoso pointed out that Stade Malien and the rest of the other six teams in the Champions League were well rested ahead of this round of fixtures.

"Stade Malien had nine days to prepare for this match, and will not play in between the two legs of this quarterfinal. Esperance had seven days to prepare for their match, Al Ahly had six days to prepare and they also don't play in between the two legs, and the same applies to AS Far, Berkane, and Pyramids.

"I think it's an absolute shame what's happening in South Africa and how Sundowns are being treated. It's not normal!"

Sundowns, finalists in the continental competition last season, could do with similar backing from the PSL according to Cardoso.

It’s not the first time he makes such a plea.

The coach insisted that Loftus – in the bigger picture – was the least of his worries after also revealing that utility player Thapelo Morena was also now out injured.

"That pitch is not in the best condition like we want it to be, but there are many more things going on than the condition of the pitch. What we needed was proper time to rest and prepare for this match, and there are a lot of people working to create conditions just so that we don't succeed."