Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has sent a clear message to the Masandawana faithful: get ready for changes to the starting XI as the club battles on multiple fronts.

The Portuguese tactician says squad rotation is unavoidable with matches coming thick and fast, urging supporters to trust his decisions even when some familiar faces are left out.

Sundowns have already lifted the MTN8 trophy this season, their first since 2021, and also won the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup. They are targeting more silverware, with the Betway Premiership leaders competing across several competitions.

Cardoso insists that team selection will be based on players’ physical condition rather than reputation or recent appearances.

“I’d like Sundowns to understand that we need to rotate so they support our technical decisions,” said Cardoso.

“It will be clear that we are managing the group – but managing the group is using the ones in better conditions to play.”

The Sundowns coach also stressed the importance of keeping every player motivated and ready to take their opportunity.

“We also have to manage motivation. We have to have a group that is permanently on the edge of motivation. We like to have it like that – we know we have competition in positions and there are players that can play at any moment,” Cardoso explained.

He pointed to Fawaaz as an example of why players must remain patient and prepared.

Although Fawaaz impressed in the previous match, Cardoso opted to start Lunga and Modiba in the final. The coach was pleased with how his squad continued to respond despite changes in selection.

“Fawaaz made a beautiful game yesterday but in the final it was Lunga and Modiba playing, so the boys are giving answers to the challenges we put. We tell them to trust that their moment will come,” he said.

Cardoso also revealed that he personally handed the trophy to Fawaaz, reinforcing the message that every player has a role to play in the team’s success.

“He understands the message; be ready so when you go in, you can perform. He was an example amongst others, how they can perform after not playing two or three matches in a row,” he added.

With Sundowns competing for honours on several fronts, supporters can expect Cardoso to make regular changes to his line-up.

His approach is aimed at managing fatigue, maintaining competition for places and ensuring players are ready when called upon.

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