Cardoso backs Bafana boss Mosimane, saying players belong to country at national team level

Miguel Cardoso has availed himself to help Bafana Bafana’s new coach Pitso Mosimane whenever he’s called upon, while asserting that there are no club players at the national team.

Thirteen of Mamelodi Sundowns’ players are set to report for national team duty with Bafana on Monday, as they’ve been called up to the squad that will face Guinea and Eritrea in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers this month. They also play Egypt in an international friendly on October 4.

That doesn’t just cement their depth, but also their on-pitch dominance, having won the Fifa African-Asian-Pacific Cup after beating Al Ahli 2-1 at home on Saturday afternoon.

Having that number of players in the national team pleases Cardoso, as he insists it is a reward for the efforts they put in during their matches, either domestically or on the continent.

“The national teams always exist,” Cardoso stated. “I always support the work of the national team of South Africa. It’s my job. That’s why I am availing myself to coach Pitso to help him to be as strong as possible.”

Given the concentration of Sundowns players and their record with Bafana, there is usually banter among the football fraternity that “Sundowns are Bafana.” However, Cardoso rubbished those allegations:

“Obviously it’s not my work, but his. But I will strongly support him. I think that in the national team, there are no Sundowns players, but national team players,” he added. “They become Sundowns players when they come back. There are no ‘other team’s’ players as well.”

“I feel proud when I see the national team of South Africa because I see a national team. It happened the same way with coach Hugo (Broos), with whom I had a good relationship. I avail resources that he needs from my side that he can use.”

Having his regulars away on national team duty with Bafana could be a double-edged sword for Cardoso. They could get more exposure to a higher level, while also becoming vulnerable to sustaining injuries, especially the non-starters. But he is not worried.

“The players will go, and when they come back we will see,” Cardoso said. “Also the coach is starting, so we want him to have a great start. Let’s hope we can get results in the national team. We’ll support and celebrate them – with the same energy as ours.”