Mamelodi Sundowns’ spending power delivers relief for Miguel Cardoso amid mounting pressure

The sentiment that ‘money can’t buy you success’ is often challenged by Masandawana — the Mamelodi Sundowns faithful — whose happiness index at the moment is proudly sponsored by the club’s deep pockets.

Sundowns are the most well-resourced in the PSL, thanks to the deep pockets of club president Patrice Motsepe, which has allowed them to somewhat live up to their emblem of “the sky is the limit” on the local front.

With a blend of some of the finest talent money can buy — both locally and abroad — coupled with elite football minds, Sundowns continue to rule the domestic landscape. They are now chasing an unprecedented ninth consecutive league title.

While the last seven titles have come under the tactical geniuses of the “sons of the soil”, the recent crown was through the stewardship of the Portuguese coach and incumbent, Miguel Cardoso. He — Cardoso hasn’t had a smooth term at the club. His reign has been under threat in the past few weeks.

Some Masandawana legends and officials were disgruntled by the team’s deviation from the traditional style of play and lack of consistency.

Yet again, resources have helped steady the ship. With a squad assembled at considerable expense, calm has momentarily returned to the corridors of Chloorkop, and belief in their CAF Champions League and league ambitions has been reignited.

Having last conquered Africa in 2016, the Champions League represents a make-or-break campaign for Cardoso. As such, when Sundowns faced MC Alger in a must-win final group-stage clash in Hatfield, the Portuguese coach effectively had one foot in and one foot out of the door.

What also intensified the pressure was the fact that a loss would have meant he failed against his predecessor, Rulani Mokwena. Despite coming home muddied by allegations that the club’s analyst, Mario Masha, leaked training information and footage to him in the past few weeks, Mokwena is still revered by Masandawana.

But thanks to the club’s return on investment, Cardoso survived to see another day as Sundowns’ coach. Brayan Leon, signed for a reported fee of R57 million this summer, scored a crucial brace for the Brazilians in the 2-0 win over Alger en route to their eighth successive Champions League quarter-final.

The pressure on Cardoso was lifted momentarily. He still needed to close the gap on league leaders Orlando Pirates in their follow-up game away from home, at FNB Stadium in Soweto, to secure a moment of relief.

And boy, Leon and some of the club’s most expensive signings in recent years duly rose to the occasion. They showed their worth in game management and tactical astuteness by outplaying Pirates to close the gap to just three points, with a game in hand.

It was a performance that not only made Pirates question their readiness to knock Sundowns off their perch in the title race, but also sent a clear statement to the rest of their local and even continental competitors about why they are one of the best in Africa.

Leon helped himself to a back-to-back brace in the 2-1 win over Pirates at the Calabash, combining effectively with Nuno Santos, who was reportedly signed for R20 million in winter, and Aubrey Modiba, who is worth approximately R34 million at the moment, according to the current market value on Transfermarkt.com.

Jayden Adams, reportedly bought for R20 million from Stellenbosch last summer, has found his mojo again. He is enjoying his football in the midfield, making the team tick, especially going forward — an investment paying dividends at a crucial juncture, particularly with captain Themba Zwane’s future uncertain.

Sundowns will face TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup last 16 at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off). This is a game they are expected to win as well, keeping their chances of winning a treble alive.

Cardoso has lamented the demanding schedule that lies ahead. But heavy is the head that wears the crown, and he knows he must utilise the depth of his squad wisely. For now, Sundowns find themselves navigating calmer waters — buoyed once more by the returns on their substantial investments.

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch