Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Benson Mhlongo has explained why Miguel Cardoso cannot be ruled out from completing a positive season with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The remarks come after Sundowns, under the Portuguese tactician, appear to have fallen from what used to be a mean machine led by their previous coaches. After winning the 2016 CAF Champions League, the Brazilians became an indomitable force in Africa.
However, recently, Sundowns have been criticised for failing to meet expectations. That comes after a reputation of reaching the CAF Champions League knockouts against the background of being ruthless in the group stage.
This season, they face the possibility of their campaign ending in the group stage, a departure from a tradition of sometimes qualifying for the quarter-finals with two group games to spare. They are currently third in Group C, ahead of hosting MC Alger in a must-win last group game.
On the domestic front, they have already missed out on the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup. They are also trailing Orlando Pirates by three points in the Betway Premiership title race.
For the first time since the 2019/20 season, Sundowns entered the New Year as part of the chasing pack in the PSL campaign. That is a grim record Cardoso has carved for himself and Mhlongo feels the former Esperance coach should not be vilified.
MHLONGO SINGS FROM SUNDOWNS COACH CARDOSO’S CORNER
“I don’t know Sundowns’ plans, whether they can still achieve what they want. Sometimes there are plans and they give you time as a coach and see if you can come right,” Mhlongo told FARPost.
“You must be inside to understand. The team is starting to look new now. That group used to win, but everything has changed. As a coach, I know things are happening behind the scenes.
“It doesn’t matter when you will take the league. What matters is if u win at the end. So, we cannot say Cardoso is doing badly when he is in the top four, so let’s not rule him out.
“He is not fighting against relegation or failing to get into the top eight. This one started his journey not long ago. He is assembling a new team, so he can still win something.
“I have my own playing. Every coach has his own way. When I watch football, I’m looking at the performance and Sundowns are still contesting.
“The league is not over, that’s the reality. Sundowns are at number two, with only three points difference between them and Pirates. I can’t say Sundowns deserve to be on top because I don’t want to disrespect Pirates.
“But the competition we are seeing is healthy and it’s needed. Let’s see them when the season ends. We need six other teams in the race and I’m enjoying the race.”
RELATED STORY: Cardoso makes plea to Sundowns fans ahead of MC Alger clash