Mamelodi Sundowns eye Nedbank Cup progress despite gruelling schedule

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed confidence ahead of their Nedbank Cup last-16 clash against TS Galaxy at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium (3pm kick-off), despite ongoing concerns over fatigue and injuries within his squad.

Sundowns have not lifted the Nedbank Cup in the past three seasons, and while much of their focus has been directed toward defending their Premiership crown and advancing in the Caf Champions League, the domestic cup remains an important target.

The Brazilians last claimed the trophy in the 2021/22 season. They came close again in 2023/24 but were narrowly beaten in the final by rivals Orlando Pirates. That disappointment still lingers, serving as extra motivation as they pursue another opportunity to return to the final.

This season has tested Sundowns’ depth and resilience. While they remain one of the most formidable teams in South African football, they have not enjoyed the same level of comfort that characterised previous campaigns. Still, recent performances suggest renewed momentum at a crucial stage of the season.

Cardoso is fully aware that TS Galaxy present a stern challenge. The Mpumalanga-based side has proven to be competitive and tactically organised, capable of frustrating even the league’s strongest outfits.

“Galaxy is a team that has a good technical staff, which I respect,” Cardoso said.

“We need to be strong and resilient and know how to approach the game. Let’s hope the pitch is in good condition.

“Both teams know how to play and have a positive approach to the game, which is what everybody wants and what benefits the competition.”

Sundowns head into the encounter on the back of a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates, a result that strengthened their position in the league title race. However, the victory also highlighted the physical toll of a demanding fixture list.

The club is currently competing in three competitions, with an intense run of matches placing considerable strain on the squad. Cardoso revealed the extent of the schedule his team must navigate.

“I have made a note of the matches we have to play,” he said.

“From 14 February until 22 March, we have 12 matches. You can only take it one match at a time.

“With all due respect, all the competitions are at the same level. The league and the Champions League are at their own levels, and then there is the Nedbank Cup.

“We just need to see what we have on the table and manage the players individually.”

Several players were seen cramping during the Pirates clash, underlining the physical demands placed on the squad. Cardoso dismissed suggestions that it was a matter of poor conditioning, instead pointing to the intensity and short recovery periods between fixtures.

“When you play high-demanding matches within a short period — like the match we had against MC Alger, which was one of the most demanding — the reserves of energy were very low,” he explained.

“After four days, we played Pirates, and they are a team with a lot of intensity.

“The players cramping is not because they are not prepared. If I play some of them this weekend in the Nedbank Cup, they could suffer muscle injuries and it is not nice to see such an issue being made a joke of.”