Mamelodi Sundowns’ return to the top of the Betway Premiership has brought little sense of comfort for head coach Miguel Cardoso, who has warned that defending the title will be more demanding than the league table currently suggests.
A 2-0 win away to Sekhukhune United on Tuesday night lifted the reigning champions to 32 points and restored their lead at the summit.
Yet inside the Sundowns camp, the mood remains measured rather than celebratory.
Cardoso is acutely aware that the apparent cushion is fragile and that the balance of the title race could shift quickly.
Sundowns sit three points clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates, but the Soweto side have two games in hand.
While that mathematical detail keeps the pressure firmly on, Cardoso is keen to underline that advantage on paper does not always translate into points on the pitch.
“Games in hand don’t guarantee points,” he said, offering a reminder of the uncertainty that continues to shape the season.
Beyond the immediate standings, the Portuguese coach believes the Premiership has entered a new phase of competitiveness.
Speaking in comments reported by Sportswire, Cardoso suggested that Sundowns’ long-standing dominance is now being challenged by rivals who are increasingly well equipped to sustain a title push.
“It’s clear that our opponents, year after year, are building up energy and strengthening their squads to fight against the success that the Sundowns are enjoying,” he said.
For Cardoso, the victory over Sekhukhune was important for confidence rather than confirmation.
“This championship, as I said at the beginning, will probably be decided at the very end. I’m not afraid to repeat it: the league is very difficult,” he added.
The message to his players is one of constant focus, regardless of momentum or setbacks, if they are to retain the crown.
That challenge is compounded by an unforgiving fixture list.
No sooner had Sundowns completed their league assignment than attention turned to continental commitments.
The squad travel to Rwanda on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s CAF Champions League meeting with Al Hilal, just days after the two sides drew 2-2 in Group C.
“It’s time to close the chapter on the league and focus on the Champions League group stage matches,” Cardoso said, stressing the importance of squad rotation and trust in depth. “Confidence is crucial,” he added, both for regular starters and those called upon from the bench.
A demanding run lies ahead, including a Nedbank Cup tie against Gomora United on February 4, followed by trips to face TP Mazembe and MC Alger in quick succession.
Only after that stretch will attention return fully to domestic matters, with a decisive-looking clash against Orlando Pirates scheduled for February 18.
By then, the landscape of the title race may have changed once again, reinforcing Cardoso’s belief that this season will test resolve, depth and consistency until the very final day.
