Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says the club emerged stronger from an emotionally challenging pre-season after Jayden Adams’ tragic passing interrupted their preparations for the new campaign.
The reigning CAF Champions League champions only recently returned from their training camp in Europe, a delayed departure that saw them sit out the opening weekend of the domestic season.
Sundowns had initially been scheduled to leave earlier, but those plans were put on hold following the passing of Adams.
The squad first attended the midfielder’s memorial service before eventually travelling abroad to continue their preparations.
Cardoso admitted the team was in no state emotionally to immediately return to football, but believes the overseas camp provided the ideal environment for players and staff to grieve together while supporting one another through an incredibly difficult period.
“Well, I think it was, first of all, a very important turnover in terms of emotions. We had to interrupt the pre-season, unfortunately, by the disappearing of Jayden,” Cardoso told the club’s media department.
“We went to the memorial (service). We were not in the best place, let’s say, emotionally. So, coming out from the country and escaping a little bit from the context was very important.”
The Portuguese tactician said one of the biggest positives from the trip was the opportunity for the entire group to remain together as they came to terms with the loss of one of their own.
“I think, indeed, that is the first very positive aspect that we have to highlight, keep the team together as much as we still had to deal with the funeral. It was very important that we could go through this emotional collective moment together.
“And that is a very positive thing, because I think we ended the camp in the right spot, mourning, let’s say, honouring, but sharing love and living from that.”
With the emotional healing underway, Cardoso believes Sundowns also achieved their footballing objectives by testing themselves against higher-quality opposition than they would normally face during pre-season in South Africa.
“In terms of sports side of the preparation, obviously, it’s a good opportunity that the club provides the team.
“To come abroad, where we can find opponents in a level that is difficult in South Africa, most of all because we don’t play in the preparation against our strongest rivals, let’s say.
“Mission accomplished. Some tough opponents on the way. And positive outcome from it.”
Masandawana will kick off their campaign with an MTN8 clash against Polokwane City on Saturday.
