Despite an era of domestic dominance—marked by eight consecutive league
titles—Mamelodi Sundowns have repeatedly fallen short in cup competitions.
They begin their latest Nedbank Cup campaign in the Round of 32 against
Gomora United at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday, with head coach Miguel Cardoso
emphasizing a necessary change in attitude.
“This team has indeed had some issues in terms of managing not the cups but
some of the moments that are related with cups,” Cardoso said during a press
conference in Johannesburg on Monday.
He identified a recurring pattern in his team’s cup performances: a tendency
to retreat and protect a lead rather than maintain control. “We have a
tendency to drop and wait and try to hold the result,” he admitted,
confirming this mentality has been an internal topic of discussion.
While reluctant to be seen as a complainer, Cardoso pointed to two pivotal
moments from last season’s Nedbank Cup run. He referenced a controversial
disallowed goal by Peter Shalulile in the quarter-final against Sekhukhune
United—a match Sundowns eventually won in extra time—calling it “a legal
goal.” He also highlighted what he deemed a clear offside in the build-up to
Kaizer Chiefs’ winning goal in their 2-1 semi-final victory.
However, the Portuguese coach was quick to balance those grievances with
self-criticism. “The team could have done better in the recent past,” he
conceded. “But the past is the past… No one has any intention to make any
mistake. Neither us, neither the players, neither the referees.”
Cardoso stressed that his reflections were meant to underline the club’s
heightened sense of responsibility in knockout football. His message to the
squad is one of renewed focus. “We need to relate with this competition in a
very serious way… We are coming with special energy and special intention to
play this game.”
Despite facing a side from the National First Division and having a CAF
Champions League match this weekend, Cardoso insisted Wednesday’s fixture is
the immediate priority. “This match is much more important at this moment
than that one. To arrive forward in good condition we need to go through
this one the right way.”
Fans can expect a strong lineup, with Cardoso affirming, “whoever I will put
to play will always be a very strong line up,” as Sundowns aim to translate
their league supremacy into cup success.
