Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso emphasized the importance of continuous improvement after his side’s 2-0 victory over Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

Sundowns extended their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership with goals from Arthur Sales in the first half and Lucas Ribeiro Costa in the second.

Sundowns had opportunities to increase their lead, notably when Iqraam Rayners rounded Salim Magoola, but the angle was too narrow. The African Giants now lead the Betway Premiership with 30 points from 11 matches, three ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates.

However, Sundowns have played two more games than Pirates, who face Magesi at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday. A Pirates victory would reduce the gap to three points.

“It’s important to use your moments obviously that we can do better,” said Cardoso after the game on SuperSport TV. 

“But I praised the players for the efforts or the commitment, for the attitude, and for the courage to keep on playing in very difficult conditions.  

‘Yeah, obviously, very good question. Because we would like to be very aggressive at the moment, we lose the ball to attack immediately the ball. The question is that in the last games we played here in the championship, the teams didn’t hold the ball. They just want to kick in the front.  

“So, it’s very difficult because when you move up to press, we already putting a ball on the flanks or the back of your defense, so it’s quite tricky.  

“We need also to understand how tricky this situation can be with them and not be naive because if you are naïve, you will suffer goals from this kind of game.  

“It was a very difficult game to play. We need always to be very active and rest defense, in the balance of the team.  

“I think we did it and we need to continue and in the right games, we will be able to be stronger in pressing the ball when we lose it. It is very important to continue.”  

Sundowns remain undefeated under Cardoso, having won four consecutive matches across all competitions without conceding a goal, ending 2024 on high.

The team will now shift their focus to the CAF Champions League, where they face Raja Casablanca in Morocco on 4 January 2025.

“Now we’re going to close the door of the championship and open the CAF Champions League door. Now we have to recover, see who will be in the best conditions to face in the next game.”