Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has called for calm, control and a return to the team’s core principles as the Brazilians look to bounce back from two turbulent Betway Premiership fixtures.
The Tshwane giants endured an unusual defensive collapse, starting with a dramatic 7-4 victory over Siwelele FC in a match that delivered goals but raised concerns about balance and game management.
Just three days later, Sundowns were beaten 3-2 by TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium, a result that saw them concede seven goals across two matches in uncharacteristic fashion for a side built on structure and control.
The timing of the dip in form has raised eyebrows, especially as Sundowns were attempting to close the goal difference gap on title rivals Orlando Pirates in a tightly contested league race.
Now, without key defensive figures Grant Kekana and Keanu Cupido for their upcoming CAF Champions League final against AS FAR Rabat on Sunday, Cardoso faces an added challenge in restoring defensive stability at a critical moment of the season.
Speaking ahead of the continental showdown, Cardoso defended his side’s approach in both matches, insisting the context of each game explains the high-risk nature of their performances.
“I think it’s important we understand the context of the last two games in terms of how those matches were played and how those goals were conceded, if you take away the penalties maybe it’s a different scoreline,” he said.
The Portuguese mentor explained that Sundowns were forced to commit numbers forward in pursuit of goals, particularly in a fixture where they had little margin for error.
“In the first match we were clearly chasing something (goals) and it took all of the effort of the boys, against Siwelele we had to risk everything in the front and that’s all we could do really.”
“Against TS Galaxy, we found ourselves two goals down after having two clear chances to score ourselves and what was left for us to do beside throw everything in front again.”
Despite the setbacks, Cardoso remains firm in his belief that Sundowns’ identity remains their biggest strength, provided they stick to their structure and philosophy.
“My team plays good football when we stick to the principles and values of our game and when we side track, we don’t play that well and that’s why we couldn’t recover in Mbombela (against TS Galaxy).”
The Sundowns coach emphasised that discipline and positional control will be crucial if they are to regain stability, especially against a disciplined Moroccan opponent in AS FAR Rabat.
He stressed that emotional balance will be just as important as tactical execution in determining the outcome of Sunday’s final, urging his players to avoid overcompensation.
“For the upcoming match, we have to be loyal to ourselves as much as possible so we can have the control that we require and we need to be happy when we play because that’s the culture of Sundowns.”
With silverware on the line and recent defensive struggles fresh in memory, Cardoso’s side must now prove they can reset quickly on the biggest stage in African club football.
