Cardoso provides injury update on Sundowns trio after Richards Bay draw

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed deep concern over a growing injury list following the Brazilians’ disappointing 0-0 draw against Richards Bay FC at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Sunday night

The stalemate, which leaves Masandawana one point behind log leaders Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership, was further marred by the early withdrawal of Arthur Sales and the continued absence of key attacking figures.

The Latest on Sales, Leon, and Santos

The most immediate concern for Cardoso is Brazilian forward Arthur Sales, who was forced off just 23 minutes into the clash after sustaining a shoulder injury. He was replaced by Monnapule Saleng as Sundowns struggled to find a breakthrough against a resilient “Natal Rich Boyz” defence.

Cardoso also confirmed that Brayan Leon missed the trip entirely due to an injury sustained in training, while Nuno Santos remains unavailable as he has yet to fully recover from a recent knock.

Cardoso Laments “Relentless” Schedule

A visibly frustrated Cardoso attributed the mounting medical bills to the gruelling schedule, noting that playing seven matches in 21 days is taking a physical toll on his squad.

“It’s exactly what I spoke about several months ago regarding the schedule,” Cardoso said. “A team playing Champions League until the end, with competitions one after the other… we arrive at a moment of the season where we should be in top condition, but instead, we are dealing with losses. Now we have lost Arthur. It’s time for others to show up, but it’s not good.”

A Warning for Bafana Bafana

With international fixtures on the horizon, the Sundowns mentor warned that the domestic fixture congestion could have a ripple effect on the South African national team.

“Let’s hope Bafana Bafana will not have big losses for the [2026 FIFA] World Cup because that’s what I expect in the next weeks,” Cardoso added. “There are more injuries to happen when teams play every three days. Just injuries, injuries. Nothing more.”

Sundowns will have little time to lick their wounds as they prepare to face Polokwane City FC this Wednesday, desperately needing a win to keep pressure on the Buccaneers at the top of the Betway Premiership table.