Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has called on South African football authorities to review the domestic football calendar after guiding the club to CAF Champions League success.
The Portuguese coach made the appeal shortly after Sundowns secured their second continental crown with a 2-1 aggregate victory over ASFAR in the final.
Sundowns sealed the title following a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Prince Moullay Abdallah Stadium, a result that was enough to complete a hard-fought triumph and hand the Pretoria side their first Champions League trophy since 2016.
The victory also marked a personal breakthrough for Cardoso, who had previously lost two CAF Champions League finals before finally lifting the trophy on his third attempt.
Despite celebrating the achievement, Cardoso used his post-match press conference to raise concerns about the demands placed on players competing in South African football. He argued that the current schedule could undermine the ability of clubs to compete successfully on the continent in future seasons.
“I also believe that it is important – if South Africa wants again soon or in the future win the Champions League, it has to change some dynamics,” he said.
“And it’s really important to change some dynamics, it’s really important those dynamics are changing, to provide support.”
Cardoso pointed to injuries suffered by several players during the campaign, suggesting that the heavy workload had contributed to their absence from the final.
According to the coach, players including Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas were unavailable because they had been pushed beyond normal physical demands.
“Today, there are still some players that are potential Bafana Bafana players who could not play – Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas,” he said.
“And they are not here, because in the last moment they were exposed to something that is not normal. And they also could not play a final, they could’ve been useful today, very useful.”
The coach said South African football leaders should reflect on whether the current structures are helping clubs progress and compete effectively at the highest level in Africa.
“So it’s time for people that are in charge of football in South Africa to really think what they want about the development of football in the country and if they create conditions to really push the teams forward,” Cardoso added.
“To create conditions to help this club, I believe it’s possible because I know the club will continue to work very hard to develop because I know the people behind the scenes.”
Sundowns’ latest continental success adds to the club’s growing reputation in African football and ends a near decade-long wait for another Champions League title. However, Cardoso’s comments suggest that, despite the celebrations, he believes structural changes will be needed if South African clubs are to remain competitive and continue challenging for Africa’s biggest club prize.
