Miguel Cardoso’s Mamelodi Sundowns head into the international break following a narrow defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership. Despite the setback, the Portuguese coach remains optimistic.
“Today I lost the game, but I don’t feel like a loser because I felt that my team fought until the end for a result. The boys reacted in a difficult environment and context … emotionally, they were strong enough to keep themselves in the match until the last minute,” Miguel Cardoso spoke after the encounter.
Orlando Pirates’ win has reignited the title race, as they can potentially be three points behind Mamelodi Sundowns if they win their four games in hand.
Miguel Cardoso Admits the Title Race Is Not Over
Mamelodi Sundowns boast a significant 15-point lead at the top of the table over second-placed Orlando Pirates. However, the Pirates have four games in hand.
If they secure three points from each game, the gap to Sundowns will be reduced to three points. Miguel Cardoso is aware of this and does not believe that the Betway Premiership is a foregone conclusion.
“I am sure that both Pirates and Sundowns will still lose points because they have tough matches to play but let’s hope we can minimise losses. It would be fantastic if we win all our matches until the end, if not we will hope Pirates drop points.
“This championship will be open until the end, for sure.
“The result is what it is. Before the game I said that whatever would happen today, the title race will still be on, so let’s go to the next matches and see what will happen.” He elaborated.
With just two months remaining in the season, there is still much for Miguel Cardoso to strive for.
Mamelodi Sundowns Looking to Win 8th Consecutive League Title
Stretching back to 2018 under Pitso Mosimane, Sundowns have secured an impressive number of consecutive league titles. Miguel Cardoso aims to uphold this successful tradition in his inaugural season in South African football.
Therefore, he will be keen for Sundowns not to drop any more points in their seven remaining league matches, as they cannot afford to let Pirates come any closer to them.
Do Miguel Cardoso and Mamelodi Sundowns have what it takes to secure the Betway Premiership title this season?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
