Photo Credit - Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has discussed the congested fixtures in the South African Betway Premiership describing it as “not normal and not acceptable.”
After playing TS Galaxy in a game they suffered a 1-0 defeat, the Brazilians returned to action in the domestic Nedbank Cup where they defeated Mpheni Home Defenders FC 2-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Before the dust could settle, Sundowns, who are chasing to defend the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title, will return to action with a league fixture against Marumo Gallants at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Wednesday.
“It will be a challenge because, as I said already, we have eight games in a row during one month – this is something that should never happen in football,” Cardoso said ahead of the game as quoted by SABC Sports.
“Obviously it's not normal to happen, so until the FIFA break, we'll be playing every three or four days – it's not normal and not acceptable, it's very difficult to cope with.
“So I really hope that players can sustain their efforts, and most of our opponents will not be in this situation – I saw the other teams' calendars, and they will not be submitted to this kind of effort, while we will.
“And we have to cope with it, and we will cope with it, I'm pretty sure. That's why today we also gave opportunities to players that were not playing so much to get game-time.”
Cardoso concluded: “So that they also get the effort that comes from official games, which is completely different from a training session or friendly match, because we will naturally need the players to reinforce the team, but I'm pretty confident about the value that we have.”
Sundown are currently leading the table with 42 points, nine more than second-placed Orlando Pirates.
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