Cardoso Downplays Draw, Focuses On Title Race
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has acknowledged that dropping points against Chippa United was not an ideal start, but insists it doesn’t change their goal of finishing the season as champions.
In a surprising turn of events, Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, the first time in seven seasons they have failed to win their opening league match.
The result was particularly notable as Chippa had never defeated Sundowns in a league game before.
Cardoso may have found some relief after his title rivals, Orlando Pirates, lost their home game against Sekhukhune United on the same day. Unlike Sundowns, Pirates have a history of losing their season openers, having done so in the 2023/24 season against Stellenbosch FC.
“It is not the best thing to start the championship with a draw,” Cardoso said. “Two points dropped in the first match or the last one is still two points. We need to finish with more points than our opponents.”
“Let’s see what the results of our opponents will be in this round, as we have to fight for the next one. We need to think about the next match now. We just have to go home, look at the game, see the mistakes, and try to build the team.”
Sundowns played without key players Khuliso Mudau and Lucas Ribeiro Costa, both of whom were instrumental in their title-winning campaign last season and impressed at the FIFA Club World Cup. There are rumors that both players are seeking moves away from the club.
Before the game, Cardoso expressed hope that Mudau would be back soon but offered no updates on Costa, who is reportedly being courted by clubs in Qatar and his native Brazil. Peter Shalulile, who has also attracted interest from Tunisian side Esperance, was on the bench for the draw.
“There’s a lot to happen with this team until we finish the transfer market,” Cardoso added. “Let’s see what happens, and meanwhile, let’s solve our issues and become stronger day after day. We need to continue to work and develop our players, and that is what we have to do.”
Sundowns will now turn their attention to their next game when they host AmaZulu at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday.
