Mamelodi Sundowns have established a remarkable 18-point lead over Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership. Head coach Miguel Cardoso stated that his focus is on the upcoming game, rather than the points gap.
Sundowns triumphed over Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in their latest match on Saturday afternoon. Cardoso is keen to avoid distractions caused by discussions about the league title already being secured.
“Regarding the points difference, we don’t look back; we look forward and by doing that we are looking forward to our next game against Golden Arrows. It will be a tough match again,” Miguel Cardoso elaborated.
“That’s the respect we should have for everybody because PSL matches are tricky. We are a team to beat and there is extra energy when we play against any team.” He added.
Miguel Cardoso reiterated the significance of managing his squad over the next few months of the season due to fixture congestion.
Destination: KZN ✈️
Mission: Collect 3️⃣ points#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/6Pw6uMdM9u— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 4, 2025
MIGUEL CARDOSO COMMITTED TO MANAGING PLAYERS IN THE BEST WAY
After facing Golden Arrows on Wednesday evening, Sundowns will meet Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup this Saturday. This requires the appropriate rotation from Miguel Cardoso.
Sundowns have the chance to rest players against Golden Arrows, as they have established a significant lead over Orlando Pirates, allowing them to afford dropping points. Moreover, they have assembled a robust squad with quality players, providing Miguel Cardoso with ample options to consider tonight.
“I have a big commitment in managing the players in the best way. As much as we believe in all of them, they are not all equal and we have those who go to the national teams and must perform because they want to be there.
“We need to have good communication and give them as much rest as possible. There is a big group in the team, working hard to manage the players, trying to work on them to avoid injuries.
“[We are] trying to work on them to recover from match to match and trying to deal with strategies as much as possible, to have the players physically available because the fatigue and overload of matches is dramatic.
“We have to provide them with mental freshness.” Miguel Cardoso confirmed.
With a demanding schedule ahead, managing player fatigue will be critical if Sundowns are to achieve their ultimate goal this season: completing the treble.
CAN SUNDOWNS COMPLETE THE TREBLE?
Mamelodi Sundowns completed the domestic treble before, in Pitso Mosimane’s last season, when they won the league title, Telkom Knockout, and Nedbank Cup in 2020. However, achieving the what’s considered the actual treble, including the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, and CAF Champions League, would solidify Sundowns’ dominance in both African and South African football.
Do they possess sufficient squad depth to cope with fixture congestion and advance deep into these tournaments?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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