Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Cardoso’s tactical challenge, Adams’s partner breaks silence & more

Latest on Mamelodi Sundowns, including the conclusion of their pre-season camp in Austria and Jayden Adams’s girlfriend speaking out against online abuse.

Sundowns end Austria tour with draw against MC Alger

Mamelodi Sundowns concluded their pre-season training camp in Austria with a 1-1 draw against reigning Algerian champions MC Alger on Monday.

As reported by IOL, MC Alger took the lead in the 55th minute through a fine strike from Zinedine Ferhat before Brayan Leon equalised for Masandawana in the 74th minute.

The result means the Brazilians finished their European tour without a single victory, having earlier drawn 1-1 with German side Hertha Berlin and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal.

However, the results require context. Head coach Miguel Cardoso used much of the tour to assess fringe players and younger squad members rather than fielding his strongest side.

Several regulars only linked up with the group after representing Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup in North America, meaning the Portuguese tactician was unable to work consistently with his first-choice eleven.

Cardoso faces emotional and tactical challenge

With less than a week until competitive football returns, Sundowns must now regroup quickly before hosting Marumo Gallants on Saturday in their Betway Premiership opener.

Beyond sharpening fitness and finalising tactical plans, the squad must also recover emotionally following the devastating loss of midfielder Jayden Adams, whose passing has cast a shadow over the club in the build-up to the new season.

Balancing that grief while preparing to chase every major honour — including the Betway Premiership, domestic cup competitions and the defence of their CAF Champions League crown — will be one of Cardoso’s biggest early-season challenges.

Adams’s partner speaks out against online abuse

Meanwhile, the late Jayden Adams’s girlfriend, Aqueelah Adendorf, has broken her silence after receiving death threats and being blamed for the Bafana Bafana midfielder’s passing.

According to The South African, Adendorf — the mother of Adams’s five-year-old daughter — took to Instagram on Sunday to address the accusations.

She described the false stories being spread about her as heartbreaking and called on the public to stop using the late player’s name to create narratives based on rumour.

She also asked that Adams be remembered with dignity and respect.