{
  "id": 1264095,
  "title": "Miguel Cardoso explains Mamelodi Sundowns’ 'slow' start as key players remain sidelined",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/miguel-cardoso-explains-mamelodi-sundowns-slow-start-as-key-players",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T12:04:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/psl/2026-08-16-miguel-cardoso-explains-mamelodi-sundowns-slow-start-as-key-players-remain-sidelined/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has asked for patience as his team has struggled to find its rhythm at the start of the season. Several key players have been sidelined due to injuries or are yet to reach their best form. During a recent match against Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns were without several members of their CAF Champions League-winning squad. The Brazilian coach has highlighted that the changes to his team have significantly impacted their performance. The absence of Jayden Adams, in particular, has been a major blow, as the midfielder has become an integral part of Sundowns' structure. Additionally, Nuno Santos and Teboho Mokoena have also been unavailable due to injuries. Cardoso emphasized that fans should not expect immediate improvement, as the team needs time to adapt and stabilize. Despite the recent 1-1 draw against Chiefs, which left Sundowns unbeaten but below their usual standards, the coach remains optimistic. He believes that with time and proper development, the team will regain its dominance. Cardoso acknowledges that the early-season results are not a major cause for concern but rather a natural part of the process of rebuilding a squad affected by personnel changes.",
  "summary": "Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso emphasises the need for patience as his team faces early-season struggles due to injuries and squad changes, following a draw against Kaizer Chiefs.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Injuries force Kaizer Chiefs into squad rotation ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns showdown",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/injuries-force-kaizer-chiefs-into-squad-rotation-ahead-of-mamelodi",
        "published": "2026-08-13T10:03:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}