Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso commended his team’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Magesi in their first Betway Premiership match of 2025.
The encounter, held at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, saw goals from Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Tashreeq Matthews secure three crucial points, keeping Sundowns six points clear at the top of the table with 33 points from 12 games. Their closest challengers, Orlando Pirates, have a game in hand.
Cardoso described the match as “very emotional,” acknowledging the difficulties his players faced in finding their rhythm during the first half after a lengthy break since December 24.
He emphasized the significance of maintaining intensity and capitalizing on the contributions of substitutes, which proved pivotal in overcoming the challenges posed by Magesi.
Despite a lapse in concentration that allowed Magesi to score, Cardoso highlighted the importance of the team’s response.
He noted that the second goal, which came through Matthews, was a testament to the team’s ability to galvanize and sustain energy until the final whistle.
“One goal is sometimes enough to re-energize the team, and the players responded well,” Cardoso said, reflecting on the performance.
“The intensity in the second half and the impact of our substitutes made the difference.”
The coach also addressed his decision to largely retain the lineup from their previous match against AS FAR, citing the strong performance in that game despite conceding a late goal.
He praised the influence of players like Matthews, who came off the bench to play a decisive role in securing the win.
Cardoso further reiterated his faith in his squad, emphasizing that a player’s presence on the bench should not be misconstrued as a lack of confidence in their abilities.
“The decisions we make regarding substitutions are based on what the game demands and the performances we see,” he explained.
The victory not only solidifies Sundowns’ position at the summit of the table but also sets the tone for their campaign as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Cardoso’s focus on intensity, adaptability, and squad depth remains central to the team’s success.
