- Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer has weighed in on Mamelodi Sundowns' growing dominance under Miguel Cardoso
- Sundowns have already added the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and MTN8 to their CAF Champions League title this season
- Kannemeyer pointed to a specific aspect of Cardoso's management that he believes sets Sundowns apart from their rivals
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer has cautioned Mamelodi Sundowns' domestic rivals, saying Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and others could find it increasingly difficult to match the Brazilians under Portuguese head coach Miguel Cardoso.
Sundowns endured a difficult run in domestic cup competitions last season, but made history by clinching the CAF Champions League for the first time in over a decade. That momentum has carried into the current campaign, with the Tshwane giants securing both the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and the MTN8 trophy.
Speaking to FARPost, Kannemeyer credited Cardoso with making meaningful changes to a squad that had previously been shaped by coaches Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena. He acknowledged that rebuilding under a new philosophy takes time, but argued that Sundowns have now returned to a level where competing across multiple competitions is entirely realistic.
"They continue to perform regardless of which players are selected," Kannemeyer said, pointing to the depth Cardoso now has at his disposal as one of the team's greatest strengths.
The former defender also addressed the debate surrounding Sundowns' MTN8 victory, which was overshadowed by controversy over a penalty decision. Kannemeyer suggested that the focus should instead fall on the team's overall performances and how the coach has managed his resources throughout the campaign.
Kannemeyer was particularly vocal about the role squad rotation will play as Sundowns navigate a congested fixture schedule. He noted that certain players have already accumulated significant game time, making it essential for Cardoso to carefully manage their workloads and bring in fresh legs where necessary.
According to Kannemeyer, this approach to rotation could prove to be a decisive factor in keeping Sundowns competitive as the season intensifies. The combination of tactical flexibility, depth in the squad and the ability to sustain results across different tournaments is what he believes will make Masandawana a formidable challenge for any rival side.
With silverware already secured and more competitions still to play for, Sundowns appear intent on building further on their recent success under Cardoso's guidance.
Source: Briefly News
Authors:
Hot: