Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has promised Masandawana supporters that his team will continue fighting for every available trophy despite recent setbacks. The Portuguese coach remains determined to keep the Tshwane giants competitive across domestic and continental competitions after their disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League. Injuries to several important players have also created challenges for the team during a demanding period of the season. However, Cardoso believes that hard work, determination and commitment can help Sundowns recover and strengthen their position in the competitions that remain. His message to the supporters reflects the club’s ambition to maintain its winning standards while dealing with the difficulties facing the squad.

Cardoso acknowledged that Sundowns face a crucial run of fixtures before the upcoming FIFA international break. He explained that the team needed to use four matches to position itself well, with two of those games already completed at the time of his comments. The schedule includes a Carling Knockout Cup fixture against Lamontville Golden Arrows on 3 November 2026, followed by the CAF Super Cup meeting with USM Alger on 8 November. These matches give Sundowns opportunities to respond to their continental disappointment and continue competing for silverware. Cardoso stressed that the players must approach each challenge with the right mentality and focus on delivering their best performances.

The CAF Champions League exit remains a major disappointment for Sundowns, particularly because the club had hoped to achieve more in the competition. Cardoso admitted that the setback was significant and that the team had failed to accomplish an important objective. Rather than allowing that disappointment to define the remainder of the campaign, he wants his players to respond with strength and determination. His immediate priority is to prepare the squad for the next matches while ensuring that the players remain focused on the opportunities ahead. This approach places responsibility on the team to turn a difficult moment into motivation for its remaining challenges.

Injuries have added to Sundowns’ problems, with several key players dealing with fitness issues during a demanding stretch of the season. Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau are among the notable names mentioned in connection with the team’s absences, while Keanu Cupido, Kegan Johannes and Grant Kekana have also faced fitness concerns. Missing important players can affect squad depth and make it harder for a coach to manage a congested fixture schedule. Cardoso, however, expressed optimism that players would return and help improve the team’s options. Their availability, alongside potential additions during the January transfer window, could give Sundowns greater depth as the campaign progresses.

The prospect of January reinforcements offers another possible boost for Sundowns as they seek to strengthen their squad. New arrivals could provide Cardoso with more options for rotation and help the team manage the demands of competing in several tournaments. Recruitment will be especially important if the club wants to maintain its standards while navigating injuries and a busy calendar. However, the coach’s immediate focus remains on the players currently available and the matches approaching in November. Sundowns must continue working with their existing squad while preparing for the possibility of stronger options becoming available later in the season.

Cardoso delivered a direct message to the Masandawana faithful when asked what they could expect from him and his team. He said the club would continue pushing to fight for everything it could, while promising work, determination and commitment rather than making guarantees about results. His words underline the importance of effort and accountability during a difficult period. For supporters, the message offers reassurance that the coaching staff and players remain committed to competing for trophies. Cardoso also highlighted the role of the fans, explaining that the team needs their energy and positivity as it works through its current challenges.

The coach believes that support from the stands can make a difference when Sundowns face difficult opponents and demanding situations. He called for supporters to remain positive around the team and emphasised that their encouragement remains important. This appeal comes at a time when the squad must balance the disappointment of its CAF Champions League exit with the demands of other competitions. Cardoso also pointed to the gradual return of injured players as a reason for optimism. With greater availability and possible reinforcements in the future, he expects Sundowns to continue developing and become stronger.

Looking ahead, Cardoso wants his players to treat every fixture as an important opportunity rather than becoming distracted by the bigger picture. He described the next knockout match as the most important game of their lives, reflecting his belief that the team must concentrate fully on the challenge immediately in front of it. This mindset is particularly relevant in cup competitions, where a single result can determine whether a team advances or is eliminated. Sundowns will need to combine discipline, concentration and attacking quality if they are to progress in the Carling Knockout Cup and compete successfully in the CAF Super Cup. Cardoso’s approach also aims to ensure that positive results do not lead to complacency.

The coach warned that victories should provide confidence without causing the team to lose its focus. He believes Sundowns must remain grounded, continue learning and build the resilience needed to deal with setbacks. The season still has many challenges ahead, and the team will have to show character when circumstances become difficult. Cardoso wants his players to maintain their attitude and fighting spirit while continuing to work towards the club’s objectives. He plans to assess the campaign as it develops rather than allowing either good results or disappointing moments to determine the team’s overall outlook too early.

Miguel Cardoso’s promise to Mamelodi Sundowns supporters is built around commitment, hard work and the determination to compete for every trophy still available. The club faces clear challenges following its CAF Champions League exit and the injuries affecting several members of the squad, but the coach remains confident that returning players and future reinforcements can improve the team’s prospects. The upcoming Carling Knockout Cup and CAF Super Cup fixtures will provide important tests of that resolve. Support from the Masandawana faithful will also remain a key part of the team’s efforts to regain momentum. Cardoso has made no guarantee of silverware, but he has made his expectation clear: Sundowns must keep fighting, remain focused and give their best in every competition.