Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Cardoso refuses to praise individuals after win over Leipzig & more

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Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Cardoso refuses to praise individuals after win over Leipzig & more

Latest news about Mamelodi Sundowns, in the last 24 hours including Hugo Broos’ decision to rest Masandawana players, massive decision on Zwane, Miguel Cardoso raving about players after win over Leipzig and more.

Massive decision on Zwane future

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane will continue his long-standing journey with the Tshwane giants after the club confirmed that the midfielder has signed a new contract extension.

The new deal comes as another major show of faith in one of the club’s greatest-ever servants, with Zwane having been part of the Sundowns setup since joining the club in January 2011.

Over the years, “Mshishi” has established himself as a central figure in the club’s dominance both domestically and on the continent, becoming one of the most decorated players in South African football history.

The extension also follows another historic campaign for the experienced midfielder after he recently helped Sundowns lift their second CAF Champions League title.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane in action.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane in action.

In doing so, Zwane became the only Tembisa-born player to win the prestigious continental competition twice after Jerry Sikhosana won one with Orlando Pirates in 1995. 

Why Sundowns players were MIA against Nicaragua

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained why Mamelodi Sundowns players got a rest in the team’s international friendly against Nicaragua.

Bafana played Nicaragua in their final friendly match on home soil before leaving for Mexico this Sunday for the last stages of their preparation before playing the opening game of the tournament on June 11.

“I can’t ask from the Sundowns players to be in World Cup mood. I think the last days were emotional with celebrating and parties. Nothing against them. When you win the Champions League, I think you have to celebrate,” he said as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

“They are not mentally ready to focus on the World Cup, and that’s why they will not be in the squad for the game. They will have another day of rest. They will be on the bench and, in the worst case, they will play 10 minutes when a player is injured. But normally, they will not be in the squad.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos with his final World Cup squad.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos with his final World Cup squad. Image: SAFA

“They deserve some rest also, certainly mentally. When you see the game on Sunday (against AS FAR), it will be mentally very difficult. I sent a message to the coach after the game, and I congratulated him, but I also asked him to prepare the team mentally. I have to take into account that they are human beings. I think we have enough time for them to focus on the World Cup,” he concluded.

Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane and Iqraam Rayners are the Sundowns players set for World Cup.

No space to speak about individuals

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was happy how his side managed to rally from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig on Friday evening.

“I think the first half was very good in terms of compromise from the team, trying to be always organised and have the ball as best as possible, we saw Denis giving the strongest example of how to keep the ball, being always available to play under big pressure,” Cardoso told SABC Sport.

“You saw, a lot of numbers in the front but I told the boys they have to enjoy it and profit, it will be better to suffer a goal from a mistake than from a throw in the front that can give a counter-attack and then the excitement came at halftime.

“They were feeling so comfortable, I told them the guys lets keep the rhythm, dynamic, discipline and let’s enjoy the game and try to bring the game as much as possible to our intensity.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs RB Leipzig - Image: Leipzig
Mamelodi Sundowns vs RB Leipzig – Image: Leipzig

“They released energy, let it flow, it’s a match without responsibility, well it’s a match with responsibility but no pressure with the result and we had a beautiful, beautiful game with a lot of boys showing Bennet with a fantastic bend – Kutlwano was good in the first half, well there’s no space to speak about individuals when you see such a beautiful match like today,’ Cardoso added.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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