{
  "id": 4635754,
  "title": "Cardoso warns Sundowns fans of ‘ups and downs’ amid hectic schedule",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/cardoso-warns-sundowns-fans-of-ups-and-downs-amid-hectic-schedule",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T11:31:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/cardoso-warns-sundowns-fans-of-ups-and-downs-amid-hectic-schedule/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Miguel Cardoso, the coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, has warned fans to brace for some ups and downs as his team navigates a busy schedule in the new campaign. With several key players returning from injury and performing at their best, Sundowns are starting to gel and have scored eight goals in their last two matches across all competitions. The team advanced to the MTN8 final after defeating Golden Arrows 3-2 in the second leg of their semi-final on Sunday.\n\nCardoso expects the team to face fluctuations in performance due to the demanding schedule, with matches every four days. \"There's a big responsibility from our side, we want to do well. We also don't want to be penalised when things are not going well here and there,\" he said after securing the spot in the final.\n\nThe Portuguese coach believes the team deserves the support of the fans as they continue to build momentum. He acknowledges that the squad is more committed than ever, stating that the team's attitude and consistency are growing. However, he also cautions that there will be ups and downs, as the team is expected to maintain the highest standard possible.\n\nCardoso anticipates further changes to the lineup as Sundowns prepare for their upcoming Betway Premiership match against newly-promoted Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night. He warns that these rotations will lead to performance fluctuations, but emphasizes that the stability brought by stability in the core team will aid their progress.\n\nWith four league matches scheduled in the next 10 days, starting with the home game against Milford, Cardoso has been asked when he expects his team to reach their peak. He acknowledges that finding the right balance will take time, acknowledging that stability comes with the players' commitment, quality, and time spent together.",
  "summary": "\"We also don't want to be penalised when things are not going well here and there,\" Cardoso said.",
  "key_points": [
    "Coach Miguel Cardoso warns Sundowns fans to expect ups and downs amid hectic schedule",
    "Team scores eight goals in last two matches, advanced to MTN8 final",
    "Busy schedule with matches every four days, core team stability crucial"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}