Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso applauded a “fantastic result” as his side overcame Stellenbosch 1-0 in the Betway Premiership on Saturday.
Peter Shalulile scored the only goal of the game at Athlone Stadium from the penalty spot in the second minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half, to become the all-time leading goal scorer in the Premier Soccer League.
Sundowns have come under criticism in recent weeks for their underwhelming start to their season, which included an opening day 1-1 league draw with Chippa United and a defeat to rivals Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals of the MTN8.
They were also held to a goalless draw with Kaizer Chiefs recently, but Cardoso has since called for calm, with his team sitting in third place on the standings with 11 points from five games, just two adrift of Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs in first and second place, respectively.
He said on SuperSport after the game: “I think that we should’ve scored more than one goal in the first half.
“We thought we still had that capacity, but we wanted to win the ball in the front in the right way.
“With the absence of Arthur, we could not really find that connection. We brought Jaden a little bit higher than usual, trying to find those connections.
“But the emotional reaction from Stellenbosch was good, as expected, but we gave ourselves a fantastic result.
“It’s important to pass a message to the outside to give peace to the team. This team needs peace, needs support, and the true Mamelodi Sundowns fans should support the team.”
“Look at the table, look where we are after five matches, after playing away at Stellenbosch, away at Kaizer Chiefs.
“We didn’t lose, we keep winning, and we are very well,” continued Cardoso before promptly ending the interview.