Miguel Cardoso Demands a Strong Response from Mamelodi Sundowns After Orlando Pirates Defeat

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has vowed that his team will approach their next Premier Soccer League (PSL) match with the intensity of a final after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates. With the title race heating up, the loss has left the battle for the championship wide open, forcing Sundowns to step up their game.

Orlando Pirates Blow Title Race Wide Open

Sundowns’ defeat at FNB Stadium on Sunday allowed the Buccaneers to close the gap in the standings. While Masandawana still hold a 15-point lead, Pirates have four games in hand, meaning the title race is far from over. Cardoso acknowledged that this loss was a wake-up call and emphasized the need for his team to respond with urgency.

Cardoso’s Rallying Cry

“When we’re going to face our next championship match, we will play it like we’ve been doing,” Cardoso said, as per FARPost. “Play it like it’s the last one of our lives. There’s no other way to do it than to fight for three points until the end.”

He also noted that both Sundowns and Pirates could still drop points, making each fixture crucial in determining the league winner. “I’m sure that both Pirates and Sundowns will still lose points because there are tough matches to play. Let’s hope we can minimize the losses as much as possible because it will be fantastic if we win all the matches until the end,” added the Portuguese tactician.

“That will give us what we want. If not, we will have to cope with the points of Pirates, but this championship will be played until the end, for sure.”

A Tight Race for the PSL Crown

Sundowns are chasing their eighth consecutive PSL title, but their dominance is under serious threat from Pirates, who are eager to lift their first league trophy since 2012. This situation sets up an intense battle in the final stretch of the season, with both teams promising a dramatic conclusion to the campaign.

What’s Next for Sundowns?

Before resuming their PSL campaign, Masandawana will focus on their CAF Champions League quarter-final clash against Esperance on April 1. However, the match Cardoso referred to—their return to league action—will be a critical encounter against Stellenbosch at Loftus Versfeld on April 5. With the title race tightening, Sundowns must bounce back quickly to maintain their lead at the top of the table.