Mamelodi Sundowns FC head coach Miguel Cardoso has backed Marcelo Allende for PSL Midfielder of the Season recognition. The Chilean midfielder earned Man of the Match in the MTN8 semi-final win over Golden Arrows.
Why Cardoso thinks Allende deserves the award
Cardoso said Allende has been the standout performer in recent games and questioned why wingers often win the midfielder award. He told KickOff after the Man of the Match presentation that Allende’s consistency over several seasons should be recognised. The coach noted that the award criteria seem to favour players in wide positions despite Allende operating as a central midfielder.
Allende’s PSL award history
Allende has only been nominated once for the PSL Midfielder of the Season award, during the 2024/25 campaign alongside Teboho Mokoena and Makhehleni Makhaula. Cardoso acknowledged the past nomination but stressed the team’s current focus on winning silverware. He said individual accolades only matter if they reflect team success.
Sundowns’ team-first approach
The Sundowns boss reiterated that the club culture at Chloorkop prioritises collective achievement over personal stats. He said no player at the club chases individual trophies unless they contribute to team success. Allende remains focused on helping Sundowns win the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates.
Looking ahead to the MTN8 final
Sundowns are preparing for the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates, with Allende expected to play a key role. The fixture is scheduled for this weekend as the club aims to claim the first major trophy of the season. You can check the full list of upcoming games on our fixtures page.
