Mamelodi Sundowns: Cardoso warns against complacency in Nedbank Cup opener

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has rejected any notion that his side could be under-motivated when they face Gomora United in the Nedbank Cup last-32 clash at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.

As defending Betway Premiership champions, Sundowns begin their Nedbank Cup campaign as overwhelming favourites against the Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit. 

Yet, recent inconsistency, coupled with the club’s struggles in knockout competitions, has raised questions about whether Masandawana can consistently impose themselves outside league football.

Cardoso, however, believes complacency is the greatest danger.

“The first mistake people can make is assume they will be hungrier than my players because that’s one of the things that can take away what is theoretically our advantage,” Cardoso said.

“We should be better than Gomora but if we don’t take ourselves to the limit then this theory doesn’t exist. It stays in the books, it’s not on the field.”

Sundowns have already surrendered two domestic trophies this season, having fallen short in both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup. 

Their difficulty in translating league dominance into cup success has become a recurring theme, something Cardoso admits the group must confront head-on.

“I think this team has indeed had issues managing cup competitions,” he said. “We’ve had a tendency to drop and hold on when we’re in control of the result and that’s something we need to change in terms of mindset.”

The Portuguese coach stressed that knockout football demands a different psychological approach, where control must be asserted rather than protected. 

He also pointed to last season’s Nedbank Cup exit as a reminder of how fine the margins can be.

“I don’t like to complain but last year in this competition, we had big referee decisions go against us at crucial times,” Cardoso added.

“So. the team could’ve done better in the recent past, but that’s in the past. What’s important is that we understand the significance of winning this trophy.”

While Sundowns are still juggling continental commitments in the CAF Champions League, Cardoso made it clear that the clash against Gomora takes priority — a message aimed at sharpening focus within his squad.

“We will need a special energy to be able to win this cup and my players know that,” he said.

“To get there we need to start with Gomora and despite our Champions League match at the weekend, this is the most important game because it’s the next one.”

For Sundowns, the Nedbank Cup represents more than just silverware. 

It is a test of mentality, discipline and respect for the opposition — qualities Cardoso believes must define champions. Against a Gomora side with nothing to lose, Masandawana know that reputation alone will not be enough.