THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) has been warned about the need to smell its armpits, change its look immediately if it is determined to continue to enjoy the success of Mamelodi Sundowns in the Caf Champions League.
This warning was issued by Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso following the victory of this team from Chloorkop in this competition with a steal of R114 million.
Sundowns drew 1-1 with AS FAR of Morocco in the second leg of the Champions League final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, on Sunday. It went 2-1 when combined with the result of the first leg match in Pretoria. By winning this competition, Sundowns ended a streak of years since they last won it in 2016 under coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane.
Sundowns just won the Champions League, Cardoso has always complained about the PSL for not helping them when they are represented. What made this coach cry was playing seven games in different competitions in 21 days.
Due to Sundowns being tight in their last two matches of the Betway Premiership, they finished all the other teams with two remaining.
“If the PSL is happy to be counted among the leagues that produce African champions, it must first change quickly, and smell the armpits in the way it does things when it comes to helping the teams it represents,” said Cardoso in a press conference.
“There are key players in Bafana (Bafana) such as Aubrey (Modiba) and Thapelo (Morena) who did not play in the finals due to injuries associated with the lack of matches.
“The time has come for South African football authorities to consider everything they will do to help the teams that represent this league in African games.”
Cardoso did not miss the opportunity to criticize those who he described as asking him what he would do at Sundowns when he arrived.
This Portuguese coach took over at Sundowns in late 2024 replacing Manqoba “TV” Mngqithi who is at Lamontville Golden Arrows.
“I hope this Sundowns clash will answer the questions of those who asked me what I would do at Sundowns when I arrived.
“I am happy in an indescribable way, but what I am most happy about are the Sundowns players, their fans and the management of this team that always highlights South African football,” said Cardoso.