Cardoso: I Will Throw Out A Player Showing Bad Attitude
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes Orlando Pirates will still be a force in the Betway Premiership title race, despite Sundowns opening a nine-point gap after their dominant 4-1 victory at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.
Cardoso emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and a winning mentality, stating that any player exhibiting a poor attitude will be excluded from the team.
Sundowns now hold 42 points after completing the first half of the season with their win over Pirates. Pirates had previously enjoyed a club-record seven-game winning streak at the start of the season, briefly topping the league table.
Given Pirates’ strong performances this season, and both teams’ success in the CAF Champions League knockout stages, many anticipated a much closer contest. However, Sundowns’ superior quality in the final third proved decisive.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa scored twice, while Grant Kekana and Tebeho Mokoena added further goals. Deon Hotto scored a consolation goal for Pirates.
“I have great respect for them,” said Cardoso. “They are a team that has been working with Jose for many years – almost two – and he’s now in his third season. He’s doing a wonderful job. The team is strong, and they will definitely be a problem for us in the league. They won’t give up.”
“The gap is small,” he continued. “There are still many matches to play. We have away games, we have to play Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch – a lot of big matches and a lot to do.”
Cardoso issued a stern warning to his players, saying, “As much as we respect ourselves, as much as we continue to do things the right way, if anyone takes their foot off the accelerator, I will not allow that, and that player will go out of the team.”
“I will not accept any kind of different attitude except the one we currently have, and I think they understand that,” he added. “So, let’s continue to do that because we have a lot of challenges ahead. But we are ambitious people, so let’s hope we continue to do things the right way.”
Sundowns’ next Betway Premiership match is an away game against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
