Cardoso Calls for Calm at Downs

Pressure: Coach Feels Heat Ahead of Chiefs Clash

- Katlego Modiba

Miguel Cardoso has moved to calm rising concerns among Mamelodi Sundowns supporters after a shaky start to the new campaign.

The Portuguese coach finds himself under pressure following last weekend's MTN8 semifinal defeat to Orlando Pirates, where the Buccaneers prevailed on penalties at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Attention now shifts to the high-profile Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium tomorrow.

With both clubs eager to lay down a marker early in the season, the encounter is already being billed as another test of the Brazilians' character to bounce back.

"You can't ask me about playing Thapelo Maseko and make a drum out of that. You can't also ask me about (Siyabonga) Mabena and make a drum out of it because someone needs to stay out," Cardoso said on the scrutiny over his team selections by the Yellow Nation.

"It seems that there's always a question and I'm not taking it personally because even the fans are always relating to what we didn't do.