Miguel Cardoso breaks silence after Orlando Pirates slip.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach fires up his squad after the Bucs suffered a shocking defeat, giving Masandawana a golden chance to tighten their grip on the Betway Premiership league title.
Cardoso isn’t letting his foot off the gas. Following Orlando Pirates’ shocking 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium, Cardoso emphasized the need for focus, grit, and relentless pursuit of the title.
The Buccaneers’ loss, which came on the same night Sundowns crushed Richards Bay FC 3-0 in Pretoria, widened the gap at the top of the Betway Premiership standings. Pirates now trail with 46 points from 21 matches, while Sundowns sit comfortably in first with 58 points after 23 games.
Cardoso: ‘If we got extra advantage… fantastic’
Cardoso acknowledged the strategic boost from Pirates’ defeat, but refused to let his squad get complacent.
“Obviously, we depend on ourselves but there are still five games to play and things are not done because our opponents will not give up,” he stated with firm resolve, as quoted by FARPost.
The coach made it clear: there’s no room for relaxation, no matter the advantage. The finish line may be in sight, but the race is far from over.
“We need to collect points, points and points. Obviously, if we enlarge the advantage, it gives us comfort, but that doesn’t take anything from the way we should [fight].”
All eyes on Cape Town clash
Sundowns now prepare to face Cape Town City FC—a club with its own ambitions. Cardoso urged his players to remain grounded and respect every challenge that lies ahead.
“So, we should respect ourselves, respect the opponents, respect the competition and not sleep on what we’ve done. If you do so, you’ll have problems.”
With five matches remaining, the message is loud and clear: every game counts, and every point matters.
Cardoso pushes for relentless drive
Miguel Cardoso doesn’t plan on easing up. The Sundowns boss has committed to keeping intensity high as they charge toward the title.
“I’ll not let them [players] rest. I [encouraged] them to have a strong start. And we will continue with that because this championship is tough.”
With a commanding lead and momentum on their side, Mamelodi Sundowns hold the keys to their destiny. But as Cardoso reiterated, titles aren’t won by resting, they’re claimed through consistency, focus, and total commitment until the final whistle.
How many points does Downs need for another league title?
Sundowns must earn seven points from their remaining five matches to secure their eighth consecutive Betway Premiership (formerly DStv Premiership) title for the 2024/2025 season. They currently sit on 58 points after 23 games, while their closest rivals, Orlando Pirates, trail with 46 points from 21 matches.
Even if Pirates win all of their remaining fixtures and reach a maximum of 67 points, Sundowns can seal the title by hitting 68 points. Just two wins and a draw would push them to 65 points—enough to clinch the championship thanks to their superior goal difference.
Stay tuned with The South African as Miguel Cardoso breaks silence after Orlando Pirates slip.
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