Cardoso on Truter’s exit rumours at Sekhukhune: ‘it shouldn’t affect us’

Sekhukhune United veteran defender Daniel Cardoso has spoken out about whether the rumours surrounding the exit of coach Brandon Truter have been affecting the team.

The Sekhukhune United head coach, Truter has been under immense pressure after a poor start to the 2023/24 DStv Premiership.

Truter took over the coaching reigns at Babina Noko in December 2022 and guided the club to a seventh-place finish in the league. They also made it to the Nedbank Cup final where they lost 2-1 against Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in May.

In the current campaign, Sekhukhune won three games in the league, drawing two, while suffering five defeats. They are lying 11th on the log standings with 11 points after 10 games.

However, on a positive note, Truter has managed to guide Sekhukhune to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages for the first time in the history of the club.

While Truter’s future remains uncertain at Sekhukhune, the former Kaizer Chiefs defender, Cardoso insisted that the reports don’t affect them as players.

The reports also hinted that the management is not entirely pleased with Truter’s defensive approach to the game, especially given the quality of attackers Sekhukhune has at their disposal.

DANIEL CARDOSO INSISTS TRUTER’S EXIT TALKS DOESN’T AFFECT PLAYERS

“It’s not up to the players [firing the coach]. We come here and do our business, it shouldn’t affect us,” Cardoso said.

“We do our business on the field and not in the office, we don’t worry about what happens in the office, that’s up to the coaches and we’re just here to play football.”

The 35-year-old centre-back further admitted that the Carling Knockout Cup is up for the taking with so-called big clubs out of the competition.

“I think it’s a new cup in total and I think this cup is there for the taking for anybody,” he added.

“Previously, it was played by four teams, and before that, it was the Soweto derby and now it’s up for grabs for everyone.

“As you said, the only big team left is Orlando Pirates, but even the smaller teams are coming against big teams and actually showing they can play.”

The Simon Malatjie-owned club will face TS Galaxy in the CKO quarter-finals at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is at 20:00.

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