Ba2Cada Raises Alarm Over Mamelodi Sundowns’ Internal Problems Amid Shaky Start
Ba2Cada raises alarm over Mamelodi Sundowns’ internal problems amid shaky start, as the popular radio and football personality highlights serious behind-the-scenes issues that fans should look into, pointing to decisions by the sporting director, roles of technical members, player concerns involving Khuliso Mudau and Lucas Ribeiro Costa, non-performance-related troubles with Peter Shalulile, and questions about whether coach Miguel Cardoso is the right fit for the club.
Johannesburg – Popular radio and football personality Ba2Cada has raised serious concerns about deep-rooted internal problems at Mamelodi Sundowns, urging supporters to dig deeper into what is happening behind the scenes at the club. This comes as the defending Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions struggle through a rocky beginning to the 2025/26 season, with recent performances raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Ba2Cada insists that the troubles are not with the players on the pitch but stem from decisions and dynamics off it, which could be undermining the team’s success.
Ba2Cada’s Call for Scrutiny on Key Figures and Decisions
In his outspoken comments, Ba2Cada has called for the sporting director to face tough questions over a string of decisions that appear to have stirred unrest within the squad. He argues that these choices have not aligned well with the team’s needs, leading to a ripple effect of dissatisfaction. The role of certain technical members has also come under the spotlight, with suggestions that their involvement might be contributing to the discord rather than resolving it.
Ba2Cada specifically pointed to ongoing issues with key players like Khuliso Mudau and Lucas Ribeiro Costa. Mudau, a reliable right-back and Bafana Bafana regular, has been at the centre of speculation about his situation at the club. Recent developments indicate that his position has been addressed in some way, but lingering tensions remain. Similarly, Ribeiro Costa’s unresolved matters have added to the turbulent atmosphere, with reports of player unrest highlighting how these individual cases are affecting the broader team morale.
Adding to the mix, Ba2Cada emphasised that striker Peter Shalulile’s challenges are not linked to his form on the field. Despite being a prolific goal-scorer in past seasons, Shalulile’s current struggles seem tied to deeper, non-performance issues that need urgent attention. “Something is wrong there,” Ba2Cada stated, underscoring that these problems are symptomatic of larger behind-the-scenes troubles.
Questions Over Coach Miguel Cardoso’s Suitability
At the heart of Ba2Cada’s alarm is the question of whether Miguel Cardoso is the right man to lead Mamelodi Sundowns forward. Appointed after a period of instability, Cardoso has admitted publicly that managing the club’s internal challenges is “not easy.” He has spoken openly about the difficulties in keeping things on track, especially amid transfer dramas and player disputes. Cardoso’s tenure has seen mixed results, with the team showing flashes of quality but failing to maintain consistency.
Cardoso, who was previously sacked from Esperance due to indifferent domestic form, joined Sundowns with high expectations. However, his management of recent games, including a poor showing against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8, has drawn criticism. In post-match reflections, Cardoso has been candid about the internal hurdles, noting that transfer issues are impacting the squad’s focus. Despite this, he maintains that the locker room remains strong, though observers suggest otherwise.
The coach’s appeals for time to prove himself echo amid a backdrop of emotional highs and lows, particularly after guiding the team through tough fixtures. Yet, Ba2Cada’s view aligns with broader sentiments that Cardoso’s euro-centric approach might not fully mesh with the club’s traditional strengths, which have historically relied on a blend of local talent and tactical depth.
Sundowns’ Shaky Start to the Season: On-Field Struggles Reflect Off-Field Turmoil
Mamelodi Sundowns’ early season form has been far from convincing, mirroring the internal chaos Ba2Cada describes. The team has suffered defeats in key matches, including an exit from the MTN8 semi-finals against Orlando Pirates and a surprising loss in the Carling Knockout Cup final to Magesi FC. These setbacks mark a stark contrast to their dominant run in previous years, where they clinched multiple domestic trophies.
A recent bounce-back win against AmaZulu, with a 2-0 scoreline, offered some relief, showcasing the squad’s potential when firing on all cylinders. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s performance in a match against Sundowns highlighted the competitive edge in the PSL, but Sundowns’ inability to capitalise fully points to underlying distractions. Fatigue has been cited as a factor, yet critics argue this is no excuse for a club with such depth and resources.
The shaky start extends beyond league play. Participation in the FIFA Club World Cup looms, but preparations have been hampered by these issues. Cardoso has issued warnings about the challenges ahead, emphasising the need for unity. However, the team’s exploits in international competitions could spell bad news for PSL rivals like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates if Sundowns resolve their problems, as it would further cement their dominance.
Historical Context: Player Power and Management Clashes
These current woes are not isolated. Sundowns has a history of internal friction, including past fallouts among coaching staff and player influences on decisions. For instance, previous coaches like Rulani Mokwena parted ways amid broken relationships with technical directors and disagreements over player movements. Mokwena, who took a sabbatical after his exit, had faced similar challenges where player power reportedly played a role in coaching changes.
Insiders have revealed instances where players like Teboho Mokoena and Mudau influenced outcomes, leading to the firing of figures such as Manqoba Mngqithi. Mngqithi’s dismissal came after he overlooked club legends for assistant roles, opting for outsiders like Romain Folz. This created rifts, with advisors close to the Motsepe family, including Tiyani Mabunda, Teko Modise, and Hlompho Kekana, reportedly overpowering sporting director Flemming Berg in key decisions.
Such dynamics have led to a perception of misaligned values at the club. The Motsepe family’s ownership style, known for avoiding drama in their business ventures, clashes with the recent upheavals. Proximity between chairman Tlhopie Motsepe and players has been flagged as a potential issue, blurring lines between management and the squad. This has resulted in players feeling empowered to challenge authority, making it tough for coaches to enforce discipline.
Broader Implications for the Squad and Future Prospects
The unrest has broader effects on the squad. Veterans like Themba Zwane face uncertain futures, with reports of his role diminishing. Efforts to trim the roster without adequate strengthening have left gaps, particularly in defence and midfield. Players seeking exits, akin to joining a “mafia” where leaving is difficult, highlight contract and loyalty complications.
Ba2Cada’s call echoes fan frustrations, with many viewing Sundowns as a “small team” in terms of handling minor issues despite their big-club status. Leadership voids, where money flows but accountability lags, exacerbate the problems. Supporters argue for a return to basics: rebuilding depth, addressing fatigue excuses, and ensuring coaches like Cardoso get the backing needed without interference.
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