Cardoso Calm As Sundowns Keep Pace With Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says the Betway Premiership title race remains wide open after his side and Orlando Pirates recorded important victories over the weekend.

The Brazilians defeated Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday, a day after the Buccaneers claimed maximum points in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, leaving the two giants level on 41 points after 18 matches.

Pirates, however, remain at the top of the standings due to their superior goal difference.

With the two teams matching each other stride for stride, Cardoso was asked about the significance of Sundowns’ result in relation to Pirates’ victory, but the Portuguese mentor insisted the latest outcomes had not changed the overall picture of the championship race.

“The match of Pirates changed nothing, and even our game changed nothing,” Cardoso said.

“I don’t want to push anyone out of this competition in terms of how they can challenge themselves. There are a lot of games left to play, some of them are very tricky, and they will not be easy.

“There are a lot of things that need to be done to take points, and we hope that the other teams we are competing with get challenging games. Let’s see, it will be beautiful to see South Africans enjoying this championship.”

The title contenders have already completed their league meetings this season, sharing the spoils in a draw last year before Sundowns claimed victory in the most recent encounter last month – a result that could still prove crucial in what is developing into a tightly contested race.

Both teams now turn their attention to midweek fixtures that could again influence the standings. Sundowns will remain at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, where they host Golden Arrows on Wednesday evening as they continue their pursuit of the league crown.

Pirates, meanwhile, will travel to Peter Mokaba Stadium to face Polokwane City on the same evening, aiming to maintain their position at the summit.