A Fixture Nightmare for Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has voiced his frustrations over what he perceives as an unfair and grueling fixture schedule for his team. The coach has publicly questioned why his side is being subjected to an intense run of eight matches within a month, while rivals like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates enjoy a more spaced-out schedule.
Sundowns, the defending Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions, have consistently been among the busiest teams in South African football due to their commitments in multiple competitions. However, Cardoso believes that this season’s fixture congestion is beyond reasonable limits and is putting his squad under immense strain.
In this in-depth interview, the Portuguese tactician sheds light on his concerns regarding player fatigue, injury risks, and the unfair scheduling of fixtures, while also addressing his hopes for squad reinforcements and the challenges that lie ahead.
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When asked about Sundowns’ demanding schedule, Cardoso did not hold back in his criticism, describing the situation as “unacceptable” and suggesting that the club is being placed at a disadvantage compared to other top PSL teams.
“I do hope that we don’t have injuries, and I do hope that the injured players can really reinforce us because they are exactly at the point where, in a couple of weeks, they will start returning,” said Cardoso.
The coach acknowledged that squad depth will be crucial in helping the team navigate this difficult period. However, his biggest concern is that the congested schedule could lead to unnecessary injuries, something that could derail Sundowns’ ambitions in both domestic and continental competitions.
“We have eight games in a row during one month – this is something that should never happen in football,” Cardoso continued. “Obviously, it’s not normal. Until the FIFA break, we’ll be playing every three or four days – it’s not normal and not acceptable, it’s very difficult to cope with.”
Sundowns are currently competing on multiple fronts, including the PSL, the CAF Champions League, and domestic cup competitions, making fixture congestion inevitable. However, the coach insists that the level of scheduling his team is facing is excessive and disproportionate compared to their direct competitors.
“Most of our opponents will not be in this situation. I saw the other teams’ calendars, and they will not be submitted to this kind of effort, while we will,” he added.
Comparing Sundowns’ Schedule to Chiefs and Pirates
Cardoso’s claims highlight a long-standing debate in South African football regarding fixture scheduling and fairness. While Sundowns often find themselves playing in multiple competitions due to their success both locally and internationally, the coach’s comments raise an important question: Are the PSL’s scheduling decisions unfairly targeting Sundowns?
Historically, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, two of the country’s most popular clubs, have enjoyed more relaxed domestic schedules, particularly when they are not involved in continental competitions. This season, both Chiefs and Pirates have fewer commitments outside the PSL, while Sundowns remain active on all fronts.
Cardoso suggests that the PSL’s scheduling system favors teams with lighter fixture loads, which indirectly benefits clubs like Chiefs and Pirates, allowing them more time for rest and preparation.
“It’s not like that for Chiefs and Pirates,” Cardoso pointed out. “I don’t see them playing every three days. I don’t see them having to travel across the continent while still trying to compete in domestic matches at full intensity. Why is it always Sundowns who have to face this kind of challenge?”
While Cardoso stopped short of accusing the league of deliberate favoritism, his comments suggest that he feels his team is being treated unfairly when compared to their domestic rivals.
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The Impact of Fixture Congestion: Fatigue, Injuries, and Squad Rotation
For any football team, playing multiple games in a short period presents serious challenges, particularly in terms of managing player workload, preventing injuries, and maintaining performance levels.
🔹 Increased Risk of Injuries
With matches coming every few days, players have less time to recover, which significantly increases the chances of injuries. Sundowns have already suffered from fitness concerns this season, with key players missing crucial games due to muscle strains and fatigue-related injuries.
Cardoso is particularly worried about this issue, as he emphasized in the interview:
“I really hope that players can sustain their efforts. We’ve already had injuries, and if this continues, we will struggle to have a fully fit squad. The human body has its limits, and we are being pushed beyond them.”
🔹 Tactical and Rotational Challenges
Sundowns boast one of the deepest squads in South African football, but even a squad of their caliber will be tested when forced to play so many matches in such a short time.
🔸 Cardoso will need to rotate his starting XI more frequently, which could affect the team’s rhythm and chemistry.
🔸 Players who are normally on the fringes of the squad may be forced to step up in crucial matches, adding more pressure.
🔸 Travel fatigue, particularly from international competitions, will also play a major role in how well Sundowns can cope with the schedule.
How Can Sundowns Overcome This Challenge?
Despite the difficulties, Cardoso is determined to find solutions and ensure his team remains competitive. There are several strategies Sundowns could employ to mitigate the impact of their congested fixture list:
🔹 Utilizing Squad Depth
With a wealth of talent at his disposal, Cardoso will have to rely heavily on his squad rotation policy. The likes of Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Neo Maema, and Peter Shalulile will all play pivotal roles, but the coach may need to trust his fringe players more than usual.
🔹 Managing Player Workload
Cardoso will have to work closely with the medical and fitness team to monitor players’ physical conditions. Rest and recovery sessions will be just as important as match preparation during this period.
🔹 Prioritizing Key Fixtures
With Sundowns competing in multiple competitions, Cardoso may have to prioritize certain matches over others. While every game is important, some fixtures will carry more weight in terms of title ambitions, and strategic squad selection will be necessary.
Final Thoughts: Will Sundowns Overcome the Odds?
Miguel Cardoso’s concerns are valid. Eight games in one month is an extremely demanding schedule, and if not managed properly, it could take a serious toll on Mamelodi Sundowns’ title defense and continental aspirations.
While Sundowns have the quality to navigate this tough period, the real challenge will be maintaining consistency, avoiding injuries, and ensuring players remain fresh for the business end of the season.
For now, Cardoso and his squad must embrace the challenge and find ways to adapt. However, his comments will likely reignite the debate about fixture fairness in South African football, especially regarding how the PSL handles the scheduling of teams competing in multiple tournaments.
Only time will tell whether Sundowns can survive this demanding period and emerge stronger. One thing is certain—if they manage to do so, their dominance in South African football will only be further cemented.
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