Miguel Cardoso Dismisses Pressure Claims After Starting Themba Zwane in Club World Cup Opener

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has firmly denied suggestions that public pressure influenced his decision to start veteran midfielder Themba Zwane in the club’s FIFA Club World Cup opener against Ulsan HD of South Korea.

Sundowns began their Group F campaign on a high note, edging Ulsan 1-0 in Orlando thanks to a composed first-half finish by Iqraam Rayners. The South African champions had two more goals ruled out—one for handball and another for offside—but did enough to secure top spot in the group after Borussia Dortmund were held to a 2-2 draw by Fluminense.

One of the standout stories from the match was the return of captain Themba Zwane to the starting XI. The 35-year-old midfield maestro was making his first start since returning from injury in April, and his presence in the lineup raised eyebrows after Cardoso had opted to bench him during crucial CAF Champions League final fixtures against Pyramids FC.

Speaking to the media post-match, Cardoso was candid about his decision to reintroduce Zwane, firmly dismissing any notion that he bowed to external pressure.

“About Themba, there are no ghosts from the past at all, or on me, the pressures from inside the club, with the board, with my players,” Cardoso said. “You have pressure when you settle into a career of coaching like me.”

According to the Portuguese tactician, Zwane earned his spot through hard work and dedication during the team’s preparations for the tournament.

“Themba made a hell of two weeks of preparation, so that is the respect we need to have. It seems people didn’t understand he comes from a process of growth since the moment he could enter the team and train,” Cardoso added.

Cardoso made it clear that his decision was tactical and performance-based, rather than an attempt to appease critics or fans.

“I had no problems putting him in, even having the risk of letting people think I’m putting him in because of pressure. I made the decision consciously, without any kind of force, because I have such respect for my players that they know I don’t joke with them.”

The coach emphasized the team’s commitment to integrity and fairness behind the scenes.

“We play fair, we trust, and we have a lot of values in our locker room that go beyond the question that was raised in the press,” he concluded.

With the win, Sundowns sit atop Group F and now turn their attention to their next challenge—a high-profile showdown against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. The encounter promises to be a true test of the squad’s depth and tactical readiness as they continue their quest on the global stage.