Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso is spearheading a strategic plan to reduce the size of the club’s squad.
This initiative, which has already seen at least eight players depart with more likely to follow, signals a new direction for the team under the Portuguese tactician.
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Cardoso, who took over as head coach last season, clarified that the decision is not his alone but a collective agreement among the club’s leadership.
The move is a direct response to challenges faced last season, where a large squad led to issues with player motivation and limited opportunities for game time.
“It’s not only my opinion to reduce the squad—it’s something we agreed on inside the club,” Cardoso stated. He noted the significant difference in squad sizes between South Africa and Europe, particularly his native Portugal.
While European clubs often operate with around 22 outfield players and three or four goalkeepers, South Africa’s congested fixture schedule, which includes domestic cups and continental competitions, demands more depth.
That being said, Cardoso believes a balance is crucial. “We need a squad that can compete at a high level, especially when injuries, suspensions, or dips in form occur,” he explained.
“But at the same time, we cannot have players who are permanently sidelined and lose motivation. That kind of atmosphere is not what we want in our club.”
The coach emphasized that the new, more compact squad will not be trimmed to European standards. Instead, the goal is to create a competitive environment where every player feels they have a genuine chance to play regularly.
This mindset, he says, is the driving force behind the decision to streamline the Mamelodi Sundowns setup.
Mamelodi Sundowns kick off their Betway Premiership title defense this weekend with a clash against Chippa United. Kick off is set for 15h00 on Saturday, 09 August 2025, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.