Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is convinced the Betway
Premiership title will be decided in the final stretch of the season,
following his team’s 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates.
The match at Loftus Versfeld saw Peter Shalulile open the scoring early for
Sundowns, only for Pirates’ young talent, Camren Dansin, to level the score
later on.
While the title race remains tightly contested, Cardoso believes the
ultimate winner will only be known in the last month. “The matches are going
to decide the championship,” Cardoso stated in a post-match interview with
SuperSport. “All the matches we’re going to play until the last one. I’ve
said from the beginning that this championship will be decided at the final
stages, and I stand by that.”
Reflecting on the game itself, the Sundowns coach admitted it was not a
classic display of football. He described the encounter as a tough tactical
battle, with his side seeing more of the ball while Pirates adopted a
patient approach in the second half, relying on long balls that were
difficult to counter.
Cardoso also pointed to challenges within his own squad, noting, “In some
moments we didn’t allow the best football. It’s clear our options in the
front are not helping too much to put more fire.” He explained that he had
to carefully manage substitutions due to players’ fitness limitations.
In the end, the coach deemed the 1-1 scoreline a fair result, adding, “Two
very equal teams, a third draw in the season between us… well, the
championship is open. Let’s fight for it.”
