Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing to streamline their squad ahead of the upcoming season following their early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup. The Brazilians were knocked out after a goalless draw with Brazilian side Fluminense, who advanced from Group F alongside Borussia Dortmund.
In the wake of the elimination, Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena’s assistant, Cardoso, confirmed the club’s intention to reduce the number of players in the squad. Speaking after their match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, Cardoso explained that the technical team is aiming for a leaner, yet more competitive group.
“We want to reduce the number of players in the team,” he said. “We want to make a smaller team, a smaller group — but with even more quality.”
Cardoso elaborated that while the number of players will be trimmed, the focus will be on ensuring top-level depth in each position. “We already have more than one quality player per position, but the idea is to have two players who can replace each other without a drop in performance — two players per position who are interchangeable at 100%,” he added.
High-Quality Depth Over Quantity
Sundowns travelled to the Club World Cup with a squad of 26 players, leaving several others behind in South Africa. Among those who could be deemed surplus to requirements are Terrence Mashego, Thapelo Maseko, and Kobamelo Kodisang — all of whom may be offloaded as part of the club’s restructuring plan.
The coaching staff is aiming to maintain competitive depth, especially in high-rotation positions like fullbacks. Cardoso referred to the need for “two and a half players” per fullback position — essentially two regulars and an additional backup — to cope with the intensity of a congested fixture list.
“Because we play a lot, every three or four days, we must consider the increased risk of injuries. So, we’ll be cautious. We’re not planning drastic changes, but we must be smart with how we manage the squad.”
Potential Departures to Europe
Another challenge Sundowns might face is the growing interest in some of their standout players from European clubs. Lucas Ribeiro, in particular, has reportedly caught the attention of scouts abroad following his impressive performances.
While the possibility of losing star talent is always a concern for any club, Cardoso maintains a balanced view. He welcomes the opportunity for players to further their careers abroad if the chance arises.
“I don’t have an issue with losing players,” he said. “That’s part of the job — giving others a chance to grow. We’re a club that values stability, and I like that, but if a player earns the opportunity to move on, we’ll support that.”
As Sundowns prepare for the new season, their goal is to build a streamlined squad that is better equipped to handle both domestic and international competitions. The emphasis will be on keeping a core group of high-performing players while allowing others to seek opportunities elsewhere — either through transfers or loans.
By balancing squad depth with quality, and maintaining flexibility for player movement, Mamelodi Sundowns aim to remain competitive at the highest level — both in South Africa and beyond.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Slimmer Squad, Sharper Ambitions
As the new season approaches, Mamelodi Sundowns are hitting the reset button — not to rebuild from scratch, but to sharpen their edge. By trimming the squad and focusing on quality over quantity, the Brazilians aim to create a lean, lethal machine ready to conquer every competition they enter. With big names possibly heading out and a tighter, more tactical setup in the works, Sundowns are gearing up to turn fewer numbers into greater impact.
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