Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso Targets Carling Knockout Glory

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has made it clear that the Carling Knockout is a priority for his team as they prepare for their opening clash against Marumo Gallants at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday night. The Portuguese tactician, who is in his first season at the helm, believes Sundowns carry the responsibility to compete for every trophy on offer.

Cardoso was appointed shortly after last season’s Carling Knockout, which Sundowns lost to Magesi FC in a final that exposed vulnerabilities and prompted discussions about change. Those talks eventually led to his arrival after The Brazilians endured consecutive draws in the CAF Champions League. Since then, he has overseen campaigns in the Betway Premiership, Champions League, Nedbank Cup, MTN8, and the FIFA Club World Cup, delivering one trophy in the process.

Now, the Carling Knockout represents a new challenge. Cardoso has underlined that Sundowns cannot afford to approach it with anything less than a winning mentality.

“Obviously, another competition that we will start to play, and the expectations are always on the same level like the demands,” he said. “Being Mamelodi Sundowns, we have the obligation to fight to win all the competitions, and that is the thought that we have in mind.”

The coach acknowledged the threat posed by Marumo Gallants, who have built a reputation for frustrating big clubs this season. Gallants are unbeaten against Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs, which makes them a dangerous opponent.

“We all know that Marumo Gallants hasn’t lost to us, Pirates, and Chiefs this season, so we expect a tough opponent, but we are preparing the best way,” Cardoso explained. “We had a chance this week to prepare for the match with three training sessions, which is unique for us and positive. We should be on the level of the demands and understanding what kind of game to play.”

Cardoso has challenged his players to show a different side on Saturday. He believes Sundowns must raise their aggression and take greater control of the game to avoid another setback.

“We need to be different from what we were. We need to be much more aggressive. We need to be much more controlling. Sundowns has to play a different match,” he added.

The Carling Knockout carries extra weight for Sundowns, not only because of last season’s defeat in the final but also as a chance for Cardoso to prove his ability to add more silverware to the club’s already extensive collection. For a team accustomed to dominance, anything less than lifting the trophy will be considered a disappointment.

All eyes will be on the Brazilians on Saturday to see if Cardoso’s call for intensity and control translates into the kind of performance that sets the tone for a deep run in the competition.