Mamelodi Sundowns legend Katlego Mashego has dismissed suggestions that head coach Miguel Cardoso was ever under threat, describing the club’s recent dip in form as a mere “blip” rather than a crisis.
The Portuguese coach drew the anger of Masandawana fans when they lost the Betway Premiership top spot to title rivals Orlando Pirates. It got worse when Sundowns went winless in four consecutive CAF Champions League games.
That left them on the brink of an embarrassing exit from Africa’s premier club competition. Angry fans would pelt the club’s sporting director, Flemming Berg, with objects while also baying for the dismissal of Cardoso.
Coincidentally, talk of Pitso Mosimane returning to Chloorkop flared up, and the former Bafana Bafana tactician himself did not rule out another dance with the Tshwane giants, although his priority is securing a national team job.
But Cardoso and his men responded in style by beating MC Alger 2-0 convincingly, to sneak into the Champions League quarter-finals.
They then edged Pirates 2-1 in a PSL duel on Wednesday, handing themselves high hopes of reclaiming top spot. Currently in second position on the table, they now have just three points fewer than leaders Pirates, having played a game less.
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Mashego feels the victories over MC Alger and Pirates sparked a resurgence that would see Sundowns reclaim their identity.
“I doubt he was under pressure; it happens at every club. That’s something expected anywhere in football,” Mashego told FARPost.
“When you are used to something and then things tend to be different, people start doubting. Cardoso is a quality coach with quality players. It was just a blip, a hurdle they had to jump.
“There might have been a difference in results, but remember, football is about momentum. The good thing is that the last two games served as catalysts for the next matches. They are back where they are.
“They are second on the log, they have been in that situation before, and they know what it takes to win the league,” continued Mashego, who also played for Pirates.
“Even Rulani [Mokwena] wanted to go the whole season unbeaten and he lost the last game of the season. Cardoso has to go through uncomfortable moments, but he is getting it right.”
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