by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has called on his club’s supporters to rally behind the team and fill up the stadium during their games. Cardoso’s call for the “12th man” comes two days before Sundowns host Kaizer Chiefs in their second Betway Premiership match for this season. The Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in the capital city, Tshwane, will be the battlefield for these two great clubs.
Speaking during a press conference hosted on Thursday at the club’s Chloorkop headquarters, Cardoso acknowledged and appreciated the support his side has been receiving countrywide; however, the Portuguese-mentor believes the Yellow Nation should come out in large numbers to support the club. Cardoso has noted the empty seats at some of their home matches and has called on the fans to try attend the games and “help the team”.
“I hope the spirit I have been seeing around South African during the matches will continue, like the match against Orlando Pirates were both fans of both sides were cheering with the spectacle, because football is a spectacle,” he said.
Sundowns hosted Orlando Pirates earlier this month in packed Loftus Versfeld, and with the “sold out” signs going up at the Lucas Moripe Stadium just hours after going on sale earlier this week, Cardoso may just have his wish granted.
The Betway Premiership has this season seen a beautiful shift in fanbase interaction and show of support to the clubs by their fans. A passionate fire seems to have been reignited in football supporters, they sing, dance and cheer for their clubs until the referee’s last whistle, with some staying a little longer after the match to allow their players to join in song and dance.
Meanwhile, the Yellow Nation, as Sundowns supporters are also known, have excelled in this ceremonious act, and this has certainly warmed Cardoso’s heart, as he thanked the fans who have showed up in all the matches they have played so far- both home and away.
On the rivalry Sundowns and Chiefs share, and the fanfare ahead of the match, Cardoso said, “I totally understand the rivalry. Supporters bring extra excitement and concentration for the players.
Meanwhile, Zipho Mlambo, Head of Group Marketing at Prasa, confirmed that Prasa would be ferrying supporters from different train stations to the match, to ease travel for thousands of supporters who will be heading the match. Supporters would need to purchase a return ticket for only R20. Kick off for the match is 15:30pm. Tickets for this match are sold out, no ticket will be sold at the stadium.