Cardoso’s appraisal of Allende at Downs floats in proof

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Miguel Cardoso has embraced Marcelo Allende’s input through their time working together at Mamelodi Sundowns.

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Cardoso’s appraisal of Allende at Downs floats in proof

Sep 8, 2026 – 08:55 pm
By Lovemore Moyo

The appreciation shown by Miguel Cardoso on Marcelo Allende’s input at Mamelodi Sundowns has been backed by blatant facts.

Allende is in his fifth season at Sundowns since arriving on a big money transfer from Uruguayan club Montevideo City Torque.

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The Chilean has consistently raised his hand in justifying why he has been able to remain a regular under Manqoba Mngqithi/Rulani Mokwena, Mokwena (sole charge), Mngqithi (sole charge), and Cardoso.

Over the past four seasons he has averaged 44 games – a huge achievement for a midfielder.

Those numbers appear o course to be improved based on that the 27-year-old has played all nine games for Sundowns so far this season.

Beyond he is now standing with both the most appearances and minutes of all outfield players.

Allende has played in 89 of the 97 matches that Cardoso has taken charge of at Sundowns since his appointment on December 10, 2024.

Then for his time on the field, he is now on 6905 minutes.

The only player with more minutes under Cardoso is goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (7168).

Despite having equal appearances as Allende, Matthews has played lesser minutes (5355).

“For me, it’s a very surprising thing that Marcelo is performing consistently in South Africa for so many years and still hasn’t received an award for midfielder of the season, especially when we see a winger receiving that trophy.

“What we need to think about is what we are going to do this season so that in the end, we put ourselves in the position where we want to be.

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“And no one at Sundowns has a big interest in fighting for individual trophies unless those trophies mean that the team did well.

“And then we accept individuality, of course,” said Cardoso in his most recent remarks on Allende.