“Not Looking For Goals” – Cardoso’s Surprising Admission

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has downplayed the significance of high-scoring margins, insisting that tactical victories outweigh goal tallies in the pursuit of silverware.

Cardoso watched his side reclaim the summit after a dominant 4-1 Betway Premiership win over Chippa United at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.

The Chloorkop-based giants now sit top of the table with 53 points after 22 matches, firmly on course for an unprecedented ninth consecutive league title.

Despite the four-goal haul, Cardoso was quick to temper expectations regarding offensive flair, emphasizing a “points-first” mentality.

“Well, I think the first question is more important than the second one because we are not really playing to look for goals,” said Cardoso. 

“It’s not really a subject I want to approach, but it’s important to fight for victory in every match; that’s the focus we have.”

As the schedule tightens, the Portuguese tactician highlighted the complexities of managing a championship-winning squad.

“In the next match, we focus on the plan, the selection of the players, everything looks very easy and very bright, but there are also some moments and things that we have to handle,” he said.

“The players, the conditioning, the injuries, the ones with availability, and the protection we have to offer some, and sometimes you think it’s easy.”

Sundowns now pivot to a high-stakes encounter against high-flying Durban City, scheduled for Tuesday at Chatsworth Stadium.

“But that’s our focus, we now need to understand this match is finished, give one day of rest to the boys, and then pick up from there to prepare for Durban City, which is also quite a beautiful challenge,” he said.

“But the mindset must always be at the level of commitment because, if we take ourselves to that 100 percent, we are much closer to achieving the next victory, and we’ll continue from there, that’s the mindset, the goals are not more important than the three points.”