Cardoso: We Will Be Up For The Orlando Pirates Test
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is, for now, downplaying the upcoming “titanic clash” against Orlando Pirates in the two-legged MTN8 semi-final, emphasizing his team’s busy schedule and readiness for any challenges.
Sundowns secured their spot in the semi-final after a convincing 4-0 victory over Richards Bay at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Pirates booked their place with a 2-0 win against Polokwane City in front of a full-capacity crowd at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates have bolstered their squad with several new players, including Sipho Mbule – who was released by Sundowns and Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City. Appollis made a significant impact in his debut on Saturday, contributing to both goals and earning the Man of the Match award.
When asked about the threat posed by Pirates, who have won the MTN8 title three times in the last three seasons, Cardoso maintained his focus on his own team.
“There is a lot to go out of the bridge, as we say. I think the team will develop through the season a lot,” said Cardoso.
“Obviously, there is always an outcome, the energy outcome that is put, especially in these matches.
“Let’s see how it will be. I think it will be two really undisputed matches. But I would like to be at the point to be at the strong possible.
“My position and the team are to think about the next match because, as you understand, you look at the calendar, we have Stellenbosch away, we are playing Kaizer Chiefs away, maybe there might be a swap in the calendar (for that game).
“So, there are a lot of challenges. We have to play Magesi, we have to play AmaZulu. It seems like the month of August, and the beginning of September will be quite hectic for us.
“But, as I said, my role here is to trust the people who are in charge of the club to make the season as strong as possible and myself to grow the group as strong as possible.
“I believe we are after the challenges; they are big, but we are up for them. I think, us and Pirates, for sure in the moment, we are in the comfortable position.
“But we knew that it could happen (that we would face them). It will always be a challenge for both teams, so let the best one win.”
The two-legged tie will pit two of the league’s top teams against each other in the last three seasons and beyond. Although Pirates have struggled to dislodge Sundowns as league champions, they have had recent success against them in the MTN8, winning the semi-final in 2022/23 and the final in 2023/24.
