Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso downplayed their dominant 4-1 victory over Orlando Pirates, emphasizing that it was an important win, but not a definitive statement in the title race.

He stressed that the real statement will come at the end of the season if they secure the Betway Premiership title.

Sundowns extended their lead over Pirates to nine points with the win at Loftus Stadium on Saturday, though they have played one more game. They now have 42 points from 15 matches, while Pirates sit second with 33 points from 14 games.

“It was an amazing game, really it was an amazing game,” said Cardoso. “This is a game you want to go home and watch again and try to understand how the coaches made changes in the game, try to understand the changes in order to create problems and how we found the answers.

“For sure, you will see that it was a wonderful game. Because this is the level, and when the level is this high, the players can also allow for these kinds of things. So, it was a wonderful game.”

When asked if it was a statement win, Cardoso replied: “It was an important win, not the statement win. Most of all for us, it is to believe in ourselves more and more. The statement win will be at the end when we win the championship. That is the statement. Until then, it is just respect for ourselves. If you don’t keep your feet on the ground, we are in trouble. I love that expression. We should celebrate the moment when you win. But it is a long way ahead. I know the responsibility we have here.”

Sundowns’ next match is an away game against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday at 19:30.