Mamelodi Sundowns have navigated through a leadership transition with grace and unity.
With club captain Themba Zwane sidelined due to a long-term injury sustained while representing Bafana Bafana, the team have seen several players take up the captain’s armband.
Ronwen Williams has primarily stepped into the role, while Mosa Lebusa Teboho Mokoena and Denis Onyango have also led the team on different occasions.
Coach Miguel Cardoso has emphasized the importance of a collective leadership approach rather than relying on one individual.
“I like to have captains that have the profile to help the coach lead the teams, in terms of leadership, behavior on and off the pitch,” Cardoso explained.
“I want every player to have the attitude of a captain. This means everyone takes responsibility, making the captain just one more leader among equals.”
Cardoso’s philosophy is centered on shaping the team’s character so that interventions from captains like Zwane, Onyango, Williams, or Mokoena are less frequent but impactful when needed. “When there’s an intervention from one of our leaders, it’s about shaping the group’s character.
” If that character is well-formed, the need for intervention decreases,” he added.
The Portuguese coach also highlighted the inclusive team environment even amidst changes and injuries. “I respect the players’ privacy and keep some distance, but it’s been simple to address the squad.
“Even injured players like Zwane and Mabena are part of our preparation,” Cardoso noted.
Cardoso shared a touching moment where the team welcomed a young fan battling cancer to a training session. “We invited him to join us for prayers at the start of training to give him extra energy to fight his disease. The joy was palpable, with Themba even dancing before the session began,” he recounted with warmth.
This sense of community and shared leadership has not only kept the spirit high but also showcased the depth of leadership within Mamelodi Sundowns, ensuring that the team’s performance remains undeterred by the absence of their regular captain.