Cardoso: “Records Are Beautiful, But Trophies Matter Most”
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso reflected on his side’s latest milestone after the Brazilians extended their remarkable unbeaten home run to 31 games with a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday, saying records are “beautiful”, but trophies matter most.
Sundowns established a new Premier Soccer League (PSL) record with a 31-game unbeaten home streak (28 wins, 3 draws) following a 2–0 victory over Gallants at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, surpassing Kaizer Chiefs’ previous 30-game mark set in 2005.
The previous 30-match record held by Kaizer Chiefs was set under former coach Ted Dumitru between December 2003 and February 2005.
Reflecting on the record, Cardoso praised the consistency and attitude of his players while acknowledging the role played by the club’s supporters and the quality of the pitch.
“Bravo. I think, obviously, it’s a fantastic number,” said Cardoso.
“Let’s hope we can make it go with time, more and more. It will mean that we’ll collect points and that we’ll be a team that will state ourselves by the quality of the game. I think it speaks to the work of the players, most of all.”
“Obviously, the attitude is something we need to continuously make permanent, to make us state ourselves always. I think at home, we obviously feel the love of our supporters, which gives us some energy, or a lot of energy,” Cardoso continued.
“But also, on Wednesday, you saw the pitch was fantastic, and that helps us to play good football. It’s not a coincidence. Obviously, it cannot be a coincidence, but it’s not something that we seek, something like, at home we cannot know. We don’t do it. We look for the games with the same attitude. That’s what is important to have in a team like Sundowns, to be consistent wherever you play.”
Sundowns will now turn their attention to the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
“I think that is one more record to put down. I think we’ve been setting a lot of records since we arrived at the club. In the first championship, there were so many. Then, at the beginning of the season, after the break, we also had some records. Records are beautiful, but the trophies will speak for us at the end of the season,” he said.
“So, let’s be humble. Let’s be continuous in terms of what we seek. Let’s be ambitious to show more and more development, because the teams that look for development are the ones that become better and better. There’s a lot of margin for us to become better, and we need to seek it permanently.”
Sundowns are now joint third in the Betway Premiership, with Orlando Pirates at the top on goal difference, followed by Kaizer Chiefs.
“But it’s obviously a good stat that will go on the CV of the coach, the club and the players. It’s always a mark to add to our careers,” Cardoso added.
