“Don’t Let Ourselves Destroy Ourselves”: Cardoso Sends Passionate Plea To Sundowns Fans
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso insists there is still plenty of work to be done despite his side’s convincing 5-2 Betway Premiership victory over AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.
The victory moved Sundowns into second place on the table, level on 10 points with defending champions Orlando Pirates.
The Brazilians bounced back strongly after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Sunday.
Despite the emphatic victory, Cardoso believes Sundowns are still a work in progress and has called on the supporters to continue backing the team.
“When the team starts to set the pace, starts to settle down, when players come back and we have more options, ability and quality, things can happen,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.
“We were not outstanding; there are a lot of things to do, we know that. We just need our people to support us. That is my appeal. Don’t let ourselves destroy ourselves. Let’s be positive, let’s be energetic. Let’s support the team; the season is very long.
“We know that many things happen to us. People sometimes forget what we have lived through recently, how many players have been out of the team. Consistency will speak for us, and consistency is what we are going to work on every day.
“A lot of mistakes have been happening as well, but today the boys had a fantastic mentality. It looks easy, but it was not easy.”
Sundowns will now turn their attention to the MTN8, with the Brazilians travelling to KwaZulu-Natal for the second leg of their semi-final against Golden Arrows on Sunday.
“This team is probably one of the most difficult teams to play against in terms of their attack. There was a sacrifice from our wingers, sometimes troubling them outside. It was a beautiful match, with a great spirit, and they understood the message.
“Even with one or two mistakes on the goals we conceded, we still came back. I’m happy that we gave this match to our supporters. Let’s recover, rest and prepare for the weekend,” Cardoso added.
