Being a champ is not always about lifting a trophy - Cardoso

AS SOUTH Africa gears up for crucial Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, the Betway Premiership pauses, giving clubs a chance to reset and reassess their seasons.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

Mamelodi Sundowns, standard-bearers of South African football both on the continent and the global stage, enter the break in third place. Many of Bafana Bafana's recent successes have come through their key players, underlining just how influential the club has become.

For coach Miguel Cardoso, the pause is well-timed.

His side has been among the busiest in Africa, juggling domestic and continental commitments, and he now has the chance to fine-tune after what has been a relatively slow start by their lofty standards.

The Portuguese coach has openly voiced concerns about the relentless schedule and its toll on his players. Fatigue has been a recurring issue, while dropped points four in their first five league games - have added to the scrutiny.

Tensions escalated following a dramatic MTN8 semifinal exit at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, where Sundowns lost 4-1 on penalties to Orlando Pirates after their 2-2 aggregate score over two legs.