Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has declared the 2025/26 Betway
Premiership one of the most fiercely competitive seasons in recent memory,
pointing to the significant strides made by traditional rivals Orlando
Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
The sentiment follows Sundowns’ 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates in a
high-stakes clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. While the result
kept the Tshwane giants at the league summit with 22 points from 11 matches,
their lead is now far more precarious. Sekhukhune United are close behind in
second with 20 points from 10 games, with Pirates in third on 19 points and
holding two games in hand.
Cardoso, who took charge in December, acknowledged that his team is
navigating a new level of challenge as they adapt to his methods. He
credited the league’s rising standards to the ambitious off-season work of
their main competitors.
“The competition has raised the level,” Cardoso stated. “Both Orlando
Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs had a very strong pre-season—traveling abroad for
tough opponents and making major signings in the transfer market.”
He specifically highlighted Pirates’ formidable squad depth, which allows
for rotation without a drop in quality.
“Pirates can change players and you don’t feel the difference,” Cardoso
explained. “They can afford to leave out key players like (Kamogelo)
Sebelebele or Rele (Mofokeng), who was competing for the best player award
last year. Their squad depth is clearly much greater than in the recent
past.”
The Portuguese tactician also noted a similar resurgence at Kaizer Chiefs,
praising their ability to change games from the bench with high-impact
substitutes.
Cardoso believes this collective improvement has created a more balanced and
demanding league.
“South African teams are raising their level, and when that happens, the
competition becomes more equal,” he said. “We also didn’t start the season
in the ideal condition we should have, so we’ve had to cope with that. It’s
only now that we are beginning to have the conditions to grow this team to
the level we want.”
While Sundowns have been the dominant force in South African football for
years, Cardoso’s assessment underscores a growing belief that the chasing
pack is closer than ever.
