Cardoso issues challenge to Sundowns stars amidst Bafana recalls

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has sent a clear message to his squad: perform or risk missing out on the international stage.

The Portuguese tactician was speaking following the Brazilians’ 2-0 victory over Orbit College FC on Tuesday night, a match that coincided with several Masandawana stars earning recalls to Hugo Broos’ preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming clashes against Panama.

The Return of the Goal-Hunters

Among the headline returnees is Iqraam Rayners, whose blistering form has seen him climb to the top of the scoring charts with 10 goals. Rayners has been unstoppable of late, netting four times in his last three outings.

Also earning a nod is 22-year-old Thapelo Maseko, who has reinvented himself during a mid-season loan spell in Cyprus with AEL Limassol. With two goals in seven appearances in Europe, Maseko’s inclusion signals that Broos is keeping a close eye on the former AFCON star’s progress abroad.

A “Happy but Worried” Coach

While Cardoso expressed delight at the international recognition for players like Rayners, Jayden Adams, and Thapelo Morena, he admitted that the depth at Chloorkop remains a double-edged sword.

“Yeah, obviously [Rayners’ form] makes me happy, but at the same time it makes me worried,” Cardoso told SABC Sport. “We have a player like Peter [Shalulile], who in the past was so important and is now not in the group.”

The coach highlighted that the intense competition for places means even established veterans like Shalulile are no longer guaranteed a spot if others are outperforming them.

No Room for Complacency At Sundowns

Cardoso was firm in his assessment that national team call-ups are a direct reward for domestic consistency.

“I’m happy to see the boys understand—if they want to fight for big achievements, they have to perform and produce results,” Cardoso added. “Otherwise, there’s no space in the national team.”

With regulars like Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and Khuliso Mudau maintaining their places, the Sundowns contingent remains the backbone of the national side. However, for Cardoso, the focus remains on ensuring his stars don’t take their foot off the pedal as the season enters its business end.