Cardoso rejects claims off-field issues affecting Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has dismissed suggestions that recent off-field issues are impacting the team’s results so far in the new 2025/26 season.

The Tshwane giants are facing internal challenges with star players Khuliso Mudau and Lucas Ribeiro, who are reportedly seeking moves away from the club. Despite the players’ wishes, the defending champions are unwilling to let them go.

Mudau has been a subject of transfer speculation, with strong links to clubs in both England and North Africa. Meanwhile, Ribeiro’s situation has escalated. The South American midfielder is a target for Qatar SC, and has taken his case to the FIFA Tribunal to try and force a transfer. He has hired renowned Belgian lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont, famous for winning the landmark Bosman ruling in 1995.

The reigning South African champions have had a mixed start to the season, kicking off with a win over Richards Bay in the MTN8, but then dropping points in a league draw with Chippa United. They also secured two successive league victories but were knocked out of the MTN8 by Orlando Pirates in a penalty shootout. The two-legged tie ended 2-2 on aggregate, with Sundowns losing 4-1 on penalties at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Cardoso firmly denied that external factors are a problem. “What’s happening, it’s not happening inside the club, it’s happening outside,” he said. “Inside is nothing—we’re in peace, we enjoy every day, we don’t have problems.”

The coach also explained a tactical decision from a recent match, stating, “We risked the match against Magesi by not lining up some of the [key] players… for me, the stronger ones are the ones who are playing.”

He emphasised that the team is focused on their work and is not distracted by external “political issues” involving the board or the chairman.

“We just work thinking about who we have,” Cardoso said. “We’ve been doing very well.”

Despite the early-season challenges, Cardoso believes the team is “building strong.” “This moment will help us build character,” he added.

Sundowns’ next challenge is a league match against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday at FNB Stadium.