Following criticism from various sections on Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso, Kaizer Chiefs legend Shaun Bartlett has weighed in on the matter.
Even though Sundowns won their eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title, with Cardoso joining only in December last year, there is simmering discontent on the Portuguese tactician's suitability to Masandawana, especially after the Tshwane giants lost to underdogs Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final.
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The Brazilians bowed out of the FIFA Club World Cup with their heads held high, coming so near yet to so far, but there is a belief by certain sections of supporters that another coach could have done better and progressed Masandawana to the knockout stages.
Sundowns' style of play under the former Esperance coach has also been questioned, with murmurings that he appears not to suit the traditional 'Piano and Shoeshine' the club is known for.
Ahead of the new season, Bartlett has suggested when Masandawana could pull the trigger on the Portuguese tactician.
"When it comes to Sundowns, 80 percent of the time you get the league wrapped up purely because of the squad and the quality they possess, across the park, from the goalkeeper to the striker," Bartlett said on omniaudioafrica YouTube Channel.
"It's more about the Champions League, will he be able to give them that Champions League which has been eluding them for the past couple of years. Last season they came close again. For Sundowns it's always about competing at a bigger stage.
READ | Cardoso still under microscope at Sundowns?
"I think the Premiership they found a way to get the squad together, where they can play two, three different teams consecutively because of the quality they have. No disrespect to any coach but I think for the last few years, that Sundowns team is a well oiled machine and sometimes you don't even need a coach to be on the touchline. For Cardoso I think the pressure will come in the CAF Champions League, that is where Sundowns want more success, if he doesn't get it this season, it's going to be difficult for them to retain him," the former Cape Town Spurs coach added.
Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
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