“They Just Cross and Head the Ball” Former Midfielder Fires Warning Over Cardoso’s Sundowns

iDiski TV analyst Junior Khanye has expressed concern about the changes he has noticed in Mamelodi Sundowns’ style of play under head coach Miguel Cardoso, arguing that the team appears to be moving away from the technical football that made them one of the most admired sides in South African football.

For many years, Sundowns have been recognised for their attractive brand of football, built around possession, quick passing, creativity and their ability to control matches through technical superiority.

However, Khanye believes the Brazilians have adopted a different approach this season, relying more heavily on crosses, headers and set-pieces to score goals.

According to the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Sundowns are increasingly using the wide areas to deliver balls into the penalty box instead of depending on their usual intricate passing combinations to break down opposing defences.

“The style of play has changed. They are scoring from crosses and headers. They go wide, and once the ball is in the box, they get half a chance, even from corner kicks,” Khanye said.

He also questioned whether Cardoso is making the most of the technical abilities within his squad, considering that Sundowns have traditionally recruited players suited to a possession-based style of football.

Khanye suggested that the team’s growing reliance on direct attacks and deliveries into the box could eventually make them predictable, giving opponents an opportunity to study and neutralise their attacking movements.

His remarks follow Sundowns’ 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday. Iqraam Rayners scored the winning goal in the 69th minute, heading home a cross delivered by Antonio Van Wyk.

After the match, Cardoso explained that attacking through the flanks was a deliberate tactical decision because Golden Arrows had defended the central areas effectively.

Although Sundowns continue to enjoy success in different competitions, including the CAF Champions League and MTN8, Khanye believes the team must maintain variety in its attacking approach.

His comments have sparked an interesting debate about whether Sundowns are simply adapting their tactics under Cardoso or gradually moving away from the technical football that established their reputation.

https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2118773390945440031?a=fh59FDVkGhAVyfWNlPk&s=19

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