Sundowns face injury concerns ahead of MTN8 final
DURBAN — Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso faces difficult selection decisions ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates, with several players returning from international duty carrying injuries and the club unwilling to risk losing key personnel for upcoming fixtures.
Cardoso wants Sundowns to end Pirates’ dominance of the competition, but the Portuguese coach has made it clear that winning the trophy cannot come at the expense of players’ long-term fitness.
The Brazilians are assessing several internationals who returned from national team assignments with physical complaints. Their availability will depend on medical evaluations before the sold-out encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Cardoso explained that the international break had allowed his technical team to give playing time to squad members who needed match fitness. Those returning from national duty would now rejoin the group for the final preparations.
However, the congested fixture schedule has complicated his selection plans. Sundowns have domestic league commitments, CAF Champions League matches and the Super Cup ahead, leaving little room for extended injury absences.
The coach warned that losing an important player for several matches would be particularly damaging given the demands facing his squad. He said the medical team would continue monitoring affected players before deciding who could safely participate in the final.
The selection concerns come at an important moment for Sundowns, who have not won the MTN8 since 2021.
Pirates, meanwhile, are pursuing an unprecedented fifth consecutive title after establishing themselves as the competition’s dominant force in recent seasons.
The Buccaneers also defeated Sundowns 2-1 in the 2023/24 final, adding another dimension to Saturday’s meeting between two of South Africa’s leading clubs.
Cardoso has described the encounter as comparable in intensity to a CAF Champions League match, reflecting the expectations surrounding both teams.
He also confirmed that he had agreed to a new contract with Sundowns during the off-season, reinforcing his commitment to the club beyond Saturday’s final.
Despite the rivalry, Cardoso has called for sportsmanship from players, technical teams and supporters, while making clear that Sundowns intend to leave Durban with the trophy.
The MTN8 final kicks off at 18:00 on Saturday, 10 October. Tickets have sold out, and the Premier Soccer League has confirmed that stadium gates will open at 14:00.
Supporters attending the match must have valid digital tickets downloaded to their phones. Printed tickets and screenshots will not be accepted.
For Cardoso, the immediate challenge is selecting a team capable of stopping Pirates without compromising Sundowns’ preparations for the demanding fixtures that follow.
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