Miguel Cardoso Praises Steve Komphela and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Technical Team
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his technical team, particularly assistant coach Steve Komphela, during what has been a hectic week for the reigning PSL champions.
The Brazilians secured back-to-back victories in less than a week, starting with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League, followed by another 1-0 triumph against Stellenbosch FC at DHL Cape Town Stadium.
A Seamless Transition
Cardoso, who took over the reins at Sundowns this season, highlighted how the camaraderie and professionalism within the technical team have eased his transition into the club. Speaking after the Stellenbosch victory, he described his relationship with Komphela and other staff members as seamless.
“In terms of working with ourselves, with the group of people that we joined, it was very easy,” Cardoso said. “Coach Steve is an amazing person, easy to relate to, and he has a mindset that has easily touched us.”
He also praised the contributions of goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene, fitness coach Mathias Zangenberg, and other members of the fitness, medical, and analysis teams. “We were so well received that things flowed easier from the very first day,” he added.
Managing the Squad Amid a Packed Schedule
With two high-intensity games in quick succession, Cardoso admitted that managing player recovery has been a challenge but emphasized the importance of balancing rest and preparation.
“For example, I can tell you there’s one player who stayed, and we gave him two days without training so that he can breathe a little bit and feel himself more comfortable,” he revealed. “But at the same time, we need to gain time on preparation. So, we need the practices, but we also cannot push them too much.”
The Portuguese coach described the situation as “a wonderful challenge,” highlighting the need for careful planning and adaptability to maintain performance levels.
A Welcome Break
With the Carling Cup taking center stage this weekend, Sundowns will have a brief respite from competitive action. Cardoso is keen to use this time to recuperate and fine-tune the squad for the demanding fixtures ahead.
Sundowns’ impressive start to the season has been bolstered by their ability to maintain consistency across competitions. While Cardoso’s influence is evident, he remains humble, crediting the collaborative efforts of the team at Chloorkop.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Mamelodi Sundowns will aim to maintain their dominance in the league and make further strides in continental football. With a strong technical team and a united squad, the Brazilians appear well-equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead.
For Cardoso, the journey has just begun, but with experienced figures like Komphela and Mweene by his side, the future looks bright for the defending champions.
