Miguel Cardoso, the head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, has reflected on his team’s 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates as a wake-up call for his squad. The loss came just before the FIFA break last month but since then, the Brazilians have bounced back with impressive wins in both the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League.
Following victories over Sekhukhune United and Espérance, Sundowns have now set their sights on a crucial clash against Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld. With a spot in the Nedbank Cup final up for grabs, Cardoso is adamant that his players will not underestimate their opponents.
Reflecting on their previous encounter with Pirates, Cardoso emphasized the need for mental strength and consistency in performance. He highlighted the importance of learning from victories and maintaining a strong mindset going forward.
Despite concerns about fatigue following their recent trip to Tunisia for the Champions League quarter-final, Cardoso remains confident in his team’s preparation for the upcoming match. He acknowledged the physical, mental, and psychological toll of intense games but praised the club for providing optimal travel arrangements to minimize fatigue.
As Sundowns gear up for the crucial showdown against Chiefs, Cardoso’s focus is on recovery and maintaining a high level of performance. With a strong will and commitment from his players, the head coach is optimistic about their chances of success in the upcoming fixtures.
