Miguel Cardoso picks Mamelodi Sundowns players on performance, not popularity

Miguel Cardoso selects players at Mamelodi Sundowns based on performance — not popularity — which is why they must strive to be better than their direct competitors with every passing training session and matchday.

Cardoso has the most squad depth in the PSL due to the deep pockets of his club. As such, the players on his bench and in the stands on matchday could easily walk into the starting line-up of the other 15 top-flight teams, including rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

His “nice selection headache” has made Sundowns a dominant force both domestically and continentally. So much so that they won a record-extending eighth Betway Premiership title last season and reached the CAF Champions League's final.

Cardoso’s willingness to drop players — largely based on form and injury — hasn’t gone down well with some, including Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. The Belgian believes the club lures the best players in the league, only to bench them.

Recently, the duo of Jayden Adams and Fawaaz Basadien lost their places in the Bafana set-up after falling down the pecking order at Sundowns, making them major doubts for the upcoming AFCON later this year and the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

But Cardoso, speaking ahead of their second-leg CAF Champions League preliminary round qualifier at home to Remo Stars on Sunday afternoon (3:30 pm) — in which they lead 5–1 on aggregate — lifted the lid on how he selects players, regardless of their national team status.

“We don’t pick names to play, we pick performances to play. If one trains better than the other, then he’ll play,” Cardoso said. “If he’s not training better than the other, he won’t play, regardless of his Bafana position.

“If I put the best players on the pitch, then the team will be stronger, and that’s what we’re looking to do. But obviously, the players’ ambition is to deliver good performances because every opportunity can change their lives.

“Sometimes it happens like this: Mali was playing, and Grant was out. Then Mali got injured, and Grant started playing, and he’ll probably play the next match. Mali now has to fight against Grant’s performances in training and matches to regain his position. So, I have to respect the players’ performances!”

Similarly, due to limited game time, injuries, and a dip in form, Kekana has recently lost his place in the Bafana set-up and was replaced by none other than Khoza. He understands that he hasn’t been at his best for Sundowns, which is why he relies on the support of everyone at the club to help him get back to the top.

“I think that’s how football goes, but every day I make it my mission to give my best,” Kekana said. “There’ll be times when you’re not at your best, but we’re a team full of unity and brotherhood.

“When I’m down, I can count on others to lift me up. My job is to work as hard as I can, knowing I have the full support of my teammates and coaches to get back to the level expected of me.”

One of the players who has consistently performed for both club and country is Ronwen Williams. So much so that he’s in line to defend his CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award after being nominated again for the upcoming CAF Awards.

Kekana, who also played with Williams at his former club, revealed what makes him stand head and shoulders above the rest.

“I’m happy and so proud of him,” Kekana said. “I think we started our journey together at SuperSport and played against each other at youth level. So, for him to reach the level he has is no fluke.

“Everyone could see from a young age that he had a strong presence. He’s always willing to work hard and help the next person. He’s representing himself, his family, and the club very well. All we can do is cheer him on, wish him the best, and hope he comes back with the award.”

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