Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune insists Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns shouldn't be too hard on themselves after failing to meet their continental objective.
The Brazilians made the 2024/25 Caf Champions League final, where they faced the Egyptian outfit Pyramids. Masandawana drew 1-1 at home before falling 2-1 away to see their dream of winning their second star shattered.
Coach Miguel Cardoso has been on the receiving end from the majority of fans and stakeholders who argue that his tactics and lineup couldn't win him the continental crown. Some feel he should be let go, but a few have defended him for what he has managed to achieve since taking over from Manqoba Mngqithi.
Khune is among those who have defended the former Esperance coach and challenged the players to focus on their next assignments.
‘Cardoso has done tremendously well for the team’
“To be fair to the coach he has brought identity to Sundowns, but I think he has done tremendously well for the team, and we can now see where Sundowns are heading. They are also going to play Club World Cup, and they also stand a chance of doing well at the Club World Cup,” he opened up to SABC3.
“[Players] must hold their heads high and be proud that they are runners-up. I still have the medal from being a runners-up, and whenever I look at it, I get so proud of myself that I contributed to Kaizer Chiefs going into the final of the CAF Champions League.
“So, they must be proud of themselves, and they must know we are proud as South Africans,” Khune concluded.
In the Fifa Club World Cup, Sundowns have been placed in Group F with Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund, and Fluminense. The competition starts on June 14, but Masandawana will be in action four days later against Ulsan HD.
