Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has every reason to stress about what stands ahead the schedule set to confront his team after the international break, which has left him minus 14 players.
Cardoso is without Ronwen Williams, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Iqraam Rayners, who are with Bafana Bafana.
Peter Shalulile has travelled with Namibia, Divine Lunga (Zimbabwe), and Denis Onyango (Uganda).
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Then, with the Amajita squad preparing for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup from September 27 to October 19 in Chile, there is the quintet of Asekho Tiwani, Thato Sibiya, Gomolemo Kekana, Kutlwano Letlhaku, and Siyabonga Mabena.
Cardoso will be holding on to dear hope that all players return without any injury issues as his count to 50 games in charge at the club clocks with the speed of a cheetah this month.
The Brazilians will have to play five matches within 14 days after the FIFA dates.
First up on September 14 (15:00), they host Magesi FC at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville, Pretoria.
After doing recovery work the next day, they will then be on the road to Bloemfontein, where they have a date with Marumo Gallants on September 17 (19:30) at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.
The next day will be for traveling and regeneration, after which they will go into camp for the match against Durban City on September 20 (17:30) at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
After that, they travel to Durban to play Golden Arrows on September 24 (15:00) at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
Their tight schedule will then come with their fifth match within a fortnight when they host Richards Bay FC at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe on September 27 (17:30).
They will then have a full week between games ahead of the Carling Knockout round of 16 to be played on October 4.
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Then, after that, the Tshwane giants will break for the October FIFA calendar dates.
So, for Cardoso, the next 15 points on offer in the league, plus a place in the Carling Knockout, will come with minimal to no training and minus the five players travelling with the Under-20 national team.
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
