While Mamelodi Sundowns currently occupy the league summit with 25 points from 12 games, the pressure is mounting from the Soweto giants. Both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are hot on the heels of Masandawana, sitting just three points behind on 22 points each (separated only by goal difference).

 

 

Sundowns’ recent midweek victory at Loftus Versfeld came courtesy of Arthur Sales’ 61st-minute goal against a resolute TS Galaxy side.

 

While the win secured their seventh league victory of the season, the champions’ early form has been marked by inconsistency, including four draws and a single defeat—a loss to Manqoba Mngqithi’s Golden Arrows back in September. 

 

Crucially, they hold their three-point lead over Pirates despite having played two more games than the Buccaneers.

 

 

Speaking to IOL, Cardoso stressed the significance of the midweek result against TS Galaxy, highlighting the tactical challenges they presented.

 

“It’s important to say that it was a very important victory against a team that is well organised,” Cardoso commented. “They have very difficult players to play against in terms of their speed in their transition; they have been creating problems for almost all the teams they play against… They are coached by someone that knows what they are doing. 

 

This is the third time I am playing against them, and they have been hard to beat.”

 

The coach revealed he had to make several strategic adjustments to break down the Rockets’ defence, which often relied on a packed defensive line.

 

“We made a lot of technical changes on the pitch to try and create spaces and break their defensive line, which sometimes was four or six players, but we managed to find a way to score,” he added, referencing the impact of bringing on match-winner Arthur Sales from the bench.

 

 

With Sundowns’ involvement in the Carling Knockout cut short by their quarter-final exit to Marumo Gallants, the team now faces a period of rest during the international window. Their next league action is scheduled for November 23rd against Polokwane City.

 

Looking ahead, Cardoso made it clear that despite leading the league, the current points tally is unsatisfactory and that his side needs a mentality shift to leave their early season form behind.

 

“I am not happy with the points we have currently, but that is something that comes from the beginning of the season. Unfortunately, we lost points in matches that we should have won,” he admitted.

 

Cardoso emphasized the need for immediate improvement and renewed focus: “What we want is to be strong and have an attitude that no one can break. We need to accumulate points because we lost them where we shouldn’t have.”

 

The defending Betway Premiership champions are in action against Polokwane City after the international window on November 23.