Mamelodi Sundowns find themselves at a crossroads as they juggle a high-stakes CAF Champions League quarterfinal against Stade Malien and a neck-and-neck domestic title race with Orlando Pirates. For head coach Miguel Cardoso, the relentless travel and lack of recovery time are becoming a significant hurdle.
However, former Sundowns midfield anchor Bennett Mnguni believes the “fatigue” narrative is nothing new for a club of Sundowns’ stature.
The Legend’s Perspective: “Pressure is Permanent”
Speaking to KickOff, Mnguni was quick to remind the current squad that the club has a long history of thriving under difficult conditions without special treatment from the league.
“It has been like this for quite some time. It is not the first time that Sundowns have played under pressure,” Mnguni stated. “We took part in the FIFA Club World Cup without being granted a break, yet we represented the country.”
Mnguni argues that the lack of rest might actually be a tactical advantage:
- Resilience: He suggests that a grueling schedule builds a “tougher” player, preventing the squad from falling into the trap of complacency.
- Acceptance: His message to Cardoso is simple: if the PSL chairman doesn’t grant a reprieve, the only choice is to persevere.
Cardoso’s Growing Frustration
The current mentor’s frustration reached a boiling point after a recent win against Golden Arrows. Cardoso criticized the “cat and mouse” mentality of domestic rivals who refuse to move fixtures, leaving his side to play vital matches just 48 hours before continental clashes.
