Cardoso Praises Orlando Pirates’ Improved Squad Depth
images: Diski times
by Lwandiso Simanga
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has lauded Orlando Pirates for their remarkable improvement in squad depth and player quality following their 1-1 draw in the Betway Premiership earlier this month.
The match, the third encounter between the two sides this season, ended in a thrilling stalemate, with goals from Peter Shalulile and a spectacular strike by Cemran Dansin. Cardoso highlighted that Pirates have achieved a better balance this season compared to previous years, crediting their transfer activity for significantly strengthening the team.
“I think what they did was balance much more compared to what they had in the past,” Cardoso said. “Now they can change players and still maintain high pressure on opponents with the quality they bring from the bench.”
The Sundowns coach noted that the quality of signings has created fierce competition within the squad, with several players who were regular starters last season now struggling to make the matchday bench. “When you see that players who were so important last season do not even put the shirt on, you understand how strong the team has become,” he explained. Cardoso mentioned players such as Mbatha, Van Rooyen, and Rele as examples of those who have lost their places due to the enhanced depth in the team.
Cardoso also acknowledged that some key Pirates players were unavailable for the match, including Mofokeng and Sebelebele, who would typically feature on the bench. He expressed that their absence reduced Pirates’ attacking options, noting that the replacements lacked the same dynamism.
Despite this, Cardoso believed that Sundowns managed the game well. “I told my players that if we scored first, Pirates would struggle to respond. Without their full attacking strength, they did not have the energy or weapons to threaten us as they did in the cup,” he concluded.
The coach’s comments underline how Orlando Pirates have evolved into a more balanced and competitive side, capable of rotating players without losing quality a key factor in their growing consistency this season.