Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns star Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi has questioned whether Mamelodi Sundowns are moving away from the identity that has made them one of South Africa’s most dominant teams.

Vilakazi has offered a strong assessment of head coach Miguel Cardoso, describing him as a coach who prefers direct football and ready-made players rather than developing youngsters.
Speaking about Sundowns’ current direction, Vilakazi admitted that assessing the Portuguese coach is difficult.

“It’s a tricky one. You know I have been analysing this coach, coach Cardoso.”
Vilakazi believes Cardoso’s preferred style is becoming clear through the type of players he has brought into the squad.

“One thing I know about him is that he likes to play direct football.”
He also feels the coach does not appear to favour the individual brilliance that has traditionally been a major feature of Sundowns.

“He does not like players that have individual brilliance that we have always seen in Sundowns players.”
According to Vilakazi, this represents a major difference from what Sundowns fans have become accustomed to watching.

He highlighted the club’s wingers, who have traditionally been comfortable taking defenders on in one-on-one situations and combining in attack.
Vilakazi went further by drawing a distinction between Cardoso and a development coach.

“He is a coach, not a development coach,” said Vilakazi. He explained that a development coach gives young players opportunities, allowing them to gain experience and grow into the team.
Vilakazi believes Cardoso instead prefers players who can immediately deliver.

“Cardoso prefers ready-made players, players that will come in and do the job.”
The former Pirates midfielder’s comments are likely to spark debate among Sundowns supporters as questions continue over the team’s identity under Cardoso.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content