Miguel Cardoso Coach Miguel Cardoso lauded the unwavering attitude of Mamelodi Sundowns’ players in their win over Richards Bay. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BACKPAGEPIX
Coach Miguel Cardoso lauded the unwavering attitude of Mamelodi Sundowns’ players following their commanding 3-0 Premiership victory over Richards Bay on Wednesday evening at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
This triumph, combined with a surprising 1-0 home defeat for second-placed Orlando Pirates at the hands of Sekhukhune United, has widened Sundowns’ lead at the top of the table to an impressive 12 points, placing them firmly on course for an eighth successive title.
Cardoso was pleased that the Premiership title race had tilted in the Brazilians’ favour, but urged his troops to maintain focus and intent.
“We played one more game today (Wednesday), five more games to go. If we get an extra advantage (Pirates defeat), fantastic, but it’s something we should manage. It’s to keep on going... We need to win our matches," said the Portuguese tactician.
He was mindful of the massive workload his players faced as Sundowns targeted league and CAF Champions League glory.
“I will not give rest to my players. They need to push themselves. This championship is tough, there is still a lot to go. Let’s see everything that is going to happen, but we have in the next six weeks, the five remaining games,” said Cardoso.
“We know it will be tough, but we are motivated, we are happy. We are aware of the responsibility we carry.
“We made it easier than it would have been if we had not had the right attitude against Richards Bay.
“What marked the game was how we started with a strong intention to score. That is basically what the technical staff asked the boys for.”
Cardoso emphasised the importance of early aggression in matches.
“We need to get an emotional advantage by scoring and making the result positive, so we don’t need to leave it to the last part of the match,” he said.
Looking ahead, the champions are set to face Cape Town City on Saturday (8pm kick-off) in the Mother City, where they’ll encounter a team fighting against relegation.
Cardoso remains keenly aware of the challenges ahead and the threat posed by struggling City.
“Cape Town City is a team that are fighting and have its objectives. We should respect ourselves, we should respect the opponent, respect the opposition – not sleep on what we did,” he said.
As the dust settles on yet another triumph – their 19th win from 23 Premiership matches this season – Sundowns continue to look the part of a championship team.
They have been showcasing not only tactical prowess on the field, but also the mental fortitude that is essential in the race for the title.
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