In his second week at the helm of Mamelodi Sundowns, newly appointed head coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his enthusiasm for the club’s coaching staff, particularly highlighting the contributions of Steve Komphela and Kennedy Mweene.

The two seasoned figures remain integral to Cardoso’s set-up after the recent dismissal of ex-coach Manqoba Mngqithi, ensuring a smooth transition for the defending league champions.

“I feel very happy with the staff I have. It was a common decision to keep Steve Komphela and Kennedy with us, as their local knowledge and experience are invaluable,” Cardoso noted.

He categorically rejected suggestions that the decision to retain them was imposed by the club’s management, asserting instead that it was a mutual agreement based on collaboration and trust.

“I will absorb not only their knowledge, but benefit from the quality of their work,” he added, emphasising teamwork as a core aspect of his leadership philosophy.

Cardoso is keen to reinforce the existing strengths of Sundowns, while ensuring that his vision for the club is strongly realised.

As he prepares the team for Tuesday’s match against AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (3pm kick-off), he commended the continuity of the medical and analysis departments, which remain intact from the previous coaching regime.

“I will work with the analysis and medical teams, and I aim to include everyone: from the kit men to management,” he explained.

“I am easy-going in relationships; I will lead by example and motivate my team.”

The Portuguese-born mentor also shared insights into his training philosophy, which seeks to find the right balance between rest, recovery and maintaining player sharpness.

He is mindful of the player’s needs, admitting to granting a player two days off training to recuperate and regain comfort, before ramping up preparations for the season ahead.

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“We need to manage effort cleverly, ensuring we don’t push too hard, while still progressing in our work,” he remarked.

“But also at the same time, obviously, we need to gain time on the preparation.

“So, we need the practices, but we also cannot push them too much.

“We must be clever on you (the players), on managing the effort, and we must be clever also managing the training sessions, so that we don’t take them too much on one side – but also we don’t stop progressing in the work.”

As the Brazilians gear up for the challenges ahead, Cardoso’s determination to weave together the existing strengths of his staff with his own approach presents a promising outlook for the squad.

His focus on unity and collective growth could very well be the key to navigating the demanding landscape of Sundowns, with recent clashes between the technical team and players already seen at the Chloorkop-based club.

Sundowns currently sit three points clear at the top of the log after their 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday, and will look to build a strong lead to try and evade a dangerous Orlando Pirates side behind them. | Independent Media Sport

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