Miguel Cardoso keen to trim star-studded Sundowns squad | OneFootball

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slimming down operation for Miguel Cardoso

Miguel Cardoso/@mamelodi Sundowns

Miguel Cardoso keen to trim star-studded Sundowns squad Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says the wheels are in motion to offload more players in the star-studded squad, despite the Tshwane giants competing in five competitions, including the CAF Champions League.

Masandawna have already parted ways with a host of players like Rushine de Reuck, Lebohang Maboe, Rivaldo Coetzee, Sipho Mbule, Lucas Suarez, Sifiso Ngobeni and Thabang Sibanyoni in a major overhaul at Chloorkop.

Meanwhile, talisman Lucas Ribeiro Costa has been linked with an exit following his impressive display at the FIFA Club World Cup. Moreover, prominent figures like Peter Shalulile, Thembinkosi Lorch and Neo Maema are also expected to depart the club.

Speaking in the post-match press conference after his side thrashed Richards Bay 4-0 in the MTN8 quarterfinal, the Portuguese mentor made it clear that he, along with the hierarchy, is intent on shipping out more players.

“It’s our intention to reduce the numbers, and obviously it’s collateral, so it means we will do it together and it’s not only my opinion to reduce the squad. It’s our opinion inside the club in terms of how we are going to do it,” said Cardoso.

“We should also understand that in South Africa the squad will never be the same squad that you have for example in Europe or in Portugal. In Portugal usually it’s 22 players with two or three goalkeepers and that’s a squad, then you have a second team where you can pick players if you want.

While he is keen to have a smaller squad at his disposal, Cardoso emphasized the importance of having a plethora of quality options to maintain the competitive spirit within the team as they look to defend their league title and reign supreme on the continent.

“The team will for sure be smaller than last season, but we won’t be so small like in Portugal. But we need to have enough level of competition so that in case we have an injury, or a player is out of form, suspension or need to manage players, we need to have numbers to match that,” he added.

“But at the same time, we cannot have players that are permanently not used, then they drop the motivation, they are on the side, and that’s the spirt we don’t want inside the club. We want the players to have a chance to play regularly.

“So, that’s the little bit of the mindset that is behind the decision too, trying to reduce the squad a little bit. We will see where we are in terms of numbers, but I am sure in the end we will see that the drop will happen. The decision will be made by me, Sporting Director and the club.