{
  "id": 14739140,
  "title": "‘Trust our decisions’: Cardoso explains Sundowns’ rotation approach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/trust-our-decisions-cardoso-explains-sundowns-rotation-approach",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T16:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/psl/2026-10-15-trust-our-decisions-cardoso-explains-sundowns-rotation-approach/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has asked fans to trust his team selection choices as the South African outfit gears up for a challenging lineup of matches across various competitions. The Brazilians recently secured victory in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates before heading back into Betway Premiership action against Richards Bay on the same day. Their sights now turn towards the CAF Champions League, where they will face Wiliete in Angola this weekend, and a Carling Knockout that will determine their opponents in the round of 32.\n\nCardoso emphasized the importance of managing his squad wisely while maintaining the highest standards, acknowledging that rotation would be necessary. He urged supporters to understand that his decisions would be based on players' fitness, readiness, and motivation. “I would like Mamelodi Sundowns fans to also understand that, so they can support our technical decisions here and there,” he said. “It will be clear that we are managing the group, but managing the group puts the ones who show us that they are in better condition to play.”\n\nFurthermore, Cardoso challenged his players to stay alert for opportunities, highlighting defender Fawaaz Basadien's recent strong performance against Richards Bay as proof of the benefits of keeping the entire squad prepared. Basadien, who was used alongside Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba in the left-back position during the MTN8 final, demonstrated that he was responding to the technical team's message. The coach was pleased with Basadien's response, believing that the defender understood the communication from the coaching staff.\n\nDespite the rotation policy, Cardoso stressed that it would not mean a drop in standards, especially when facing a formidable opponent like Wiliete in the Champions League. The Angolan side's domestic league title adds significance to the match, as Sundowns aim to maintain their momentum on the continental stage. After their MTN8 triumph, Cardoso urged his players and fans to remain humble, recognizing that many challenges lie ahead. For Sundowns, the focus is on balancing a demanding schedule, maintaining player motivation, and ensuring that their quest for more titles does not compromise their performance.",
  "summary": "Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has urged supporters to trust his selection decisions as the Brazilians balance domestic fixtures, the Carling Knockout and a CAF Champions League trip to Angola.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Cardoso reveals how Sundowns managed MTN8 celebrations before rapid turnaround",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/cardoso-reveals-how-sundowns-managed-mtn8-celebrations-before-rapid",
        "published": "2026-10-14T13:30:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "Sundowns’ Cardoso pleased with chartered flight to Angola",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/sundowns-cardoso-pleased-with-chartered-flight-to-angola",
        "published": "2026-10-14T14:08:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}