Cardoso: the senior pros must shoulder responsibility while youngsters learn
Mamelodi — Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has called for calm among the club’s passionate supporters as a handful of academy prospects are integrated into the first team during a testing start to the 2026/27 season.
Speaking after Sundowns’ 3-2 win over TS Galaxy in Mbombela, Cardoso said injuries and other absences have forced the club to rely more heavily on youth players than planned. He praised their value but warned fans not to place unrealistic expectations on young players who are still developing at senior level.
“We cannot expect that he’ll be the master of the game, but we expect him to help, and I think he did his job,”
Cardoso was referring to Bennet Mokoena, who came into the squad in the absence of senior midfielder Teboho Mokoena. Teboho missed the league opener after picking up an injury during the MTN8 victory over Polokwane City. The coach said Bennet brought energy when introduced and will grow as he gains match minutes.
Context: squad disruption and a heavy emotional toll
The coach’s appeal for patience comes amid a series of setbacks for the Tshwane giants. The squad has been hit by injuries and absences; the club also suffered the tragic loss of Jayden Adams and is managing disciplinary issues involving Monnapule Saleng. Cardoso stressed the team is built around a core of experienced players who must carry the greater burden of expectation.
- Recent result: 3-2 league win over TS Galaxy in Mbombela.
- Missing: Teboho Mokoena (injury), other key players affected by recent events.
- Young midfielder highlighted: Bennet Mokoena — praised for energy and willingness to learn.
What Cardoso told the media
According to reporting of the press conference, Cardoso acknowledged that the youngsters bring obvious talent and energy. However, he emphasised their role is to support the team’s core rather than to carry it. He said the coaching staff expect the youngsters to help and to improve with time and competition.
“As much as he plays, the best he will become. I’m speaking about Bennet. You saw Bennet again coming back for the second time and entering from the bench and how he brought energy,” Cardoso was reported as saying. He also noted moments where young players try things they will learn to refine — for example attempting low-percentage shots instead of passing — and framed those moments as part of their growth.
Local impact and what supporters should expect
For Mamelodi residents and Sundowns supporters, the message is practical: the club will continue to blood talent from its academy, but patience is required when those players make mistakes or struggle to influence matches consistently. The coach signalled that while the club is committed to player development, results remain important and experienced squad members will be expected to lead on the pitch.
That balance — developing future stars while protecting the club’s winning culture — matters to the community. Many families follow the academy closely and local coaches see first-hand how progression to senior football accelerates learning but also exposes young players to pressure.
Match snapshot
| Match | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Mamelodi Sundowns v TS Galaxy | 3-2 (Sundowns) | Mbombela |
Cardoso’s remarks underline a simple point for the coming weeks: the pathway from academy to first team at Sundowns remains open, but the club asks supporters to temper expectation and measure progress over time rather than by isolated performances.
The squad will regroup and aim to blend youth and experience as the season progresses; for now the coach has placed the spotlight on learning curves and the responsibility borne by senior players to carry the team through an unsettled period.
