Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer has warned the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates and other domestic rivals that beating Mamelodi Sundowns could become increasingly difficult under head coach Miguel Cardoso.

The Brazilians have enjoyed a successful start to the 2026/27 campaign, adding the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and MTN8 trophy to their growing collection of silverware. Their achievements have strengthened their position as one of the most formidable teams in South African football.

Although Sundowns endured a challenging period in domestic cup competitions last season, they bounced back by winning the CAF Champions League for the first time in more than a decade.

Kannemeyer believes Cardoso's management approach has played a significant role in the team's resurgence, warning that Sundowns' combination of squad depth and tactical flexibility could give their competitors a difficult time.

Speaking to FARPost, the former Chiefs defender acknowledged that Cardoso had inherited a team influenced by previous coaches Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena. He explained that introducing a new football philosophy requires patience but suggested the Portuguese tactician was beginning to see the benefits of his work.

"They continue to perform regardless of which players are selected," Kannemeyer said, highlighting Sundowns' ability to maintain their standards despite changes to the starting lineup.

The former defender believes this consistency makes the Tshwane-based club particularly dangerous, especially as they compete across several tournaments during a demanding season.

Squad rotation could prove decisive for Sundowns

Kannemeyer also highlighted squad rotation as a crucial factor in Sundowns' continued success, noting that managing players' workloads will be essential as the fixture schedule becomes increasingly congested.

With several players already accumulating substantial game time, Cardoso must ensure his squad remains fresh enough to compete consistently across different competitions.

According to Kannemeyer, Sundowns' ability to introduce quality replacements without significantly weakening the team gives them an advantage over their domestic rivals.

This depth could prove particularly important for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, who will need to find ways to challenge the defending champions while maintaining their own consistency throughout the campaign.

Kannemeyer also addressed the controversy surrounding Sundowns' MTN8 triumph, which attracted attention following a disputed penalty decision. However, he suggested that the discussion should extend beyond the incident to consider the team's overall performances and Cardoso's management of his resources.

With multiple trophies already secured this season, Sundowns will be determined to maintain their momentum and add further silverware to their collection.

For Chiefs, Pirates and the rest of the Premier Soccer League, Kannemeyer's assessment serves as a reminder of the challenge posed by a Sundowns side that appears increasingly equipped to compete on several fronts.

Under Cardoso, the Brazilians' squad depth, tactical adaptability and ability to produce results with different combinations of players could make them an even tougher opponent to overcome.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Warned That Beating Mamelodi Sundowns Will Be Difficult - Briefly.co.za