Miguel Cardoso has praised Mamelodi Sundowns’ resilience as they continue to grind out results in the title race.
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Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has praised his side’s character and resilience, highlighting how they have battled through difficult periods this season to keep their title ambitions firmly on track.
The Brazilians secured a crucial 1-0 victory over AmaZulu in a tightly contested Betway Premiership encounter, earning valuable three points in the process. The result keeps their league charge in their own hands, as they sit top of the table on goal difference, level on 38 points with second-placed Orlando Pirates.
Despite sustained criticism throughout the campaign, Sundowns continue to send a strong message to the rest of the league. Even when not at their fluent best, they have managed to keep pace with rivals widely regarded as having improved significantly this season. It raises the question of what could happen should they truly hit top form.
With more than half the season played, the current trajectory suggests the balance could tilt further in their favour. Boasting a squad rich in quality and experience — with many players accustomed to high-pressure situations — Sundowns are well-equipped to handle the demands of a tight title race.
Cardoso reflected on a string of recent results that he believes have helped build vital momentum, despite a few setbacks along the way.
“The energy that comes from victories grows belief in what we do every day and brings us together,” said Cardoso after the win against AmaZulu.
“It was an important victory, and I think this team comes from a very important sequence — the result against Saint Eloi Lupopo and the home Caf Champions League match against MC Alger, where the walls were against us.
“We then went to Orlando Pirates in what was a difficult match, and on Tuesday we went to AmaZulu. We did not suddenly become the best in the world, but we know the value we have and we believe in each other.”
With the title race intensifying — not only against Pirates but also challengers Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United — Cardoso stressed that his primary focus remains on results rather than the standings.
The Brazilians will next host Sekhukhune on Sunday in another crucial encounter for both sides. The Portuguese mentor emphasised that consistency will be decisive in their pursuit of success.
“We are not worried about the table, only about the next match. Our next clash is against Sekhukhune United, and it will be an opportunity to continue gathering points and see how it ends.
“This championship will be a fight until the end. Consistency will be important, and that is why I ask our fans to support us. We can have fans backing us even in away matches, but we need consistency within the four lines and throughout the match.
“If we were not consistent in our attitude against AmaZulu, we would have dropped the game. Some matches you win early, and some you win at the end. We need the energy from the fans.”
Cardoso also reserved special praise for new centre-back Khulumani Ndamane, who has impressed since his January move from TS Galaxy.
“Ndamane is doing well, and on Tuesday he was very brave.
“He was aggressive in his centre-back position because, in a structure where you have three players who provide balance and are responsible for the build-up, we need both him and Khuliso Mudau to be more aggressive.
“There was high commitment from everyone, and when the team is doing well, the individual players will naturally be highlighted.”
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch