Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso warns of defensive problems before Kaizer Chiefs clash

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his team must urgently improve defensively after conceding four goals in their past two matches, despite beginning their league campaign with a 3-2 victory over TS Galaxy.

Sundowns will face Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday, with Cardoso concerned that defensive mistakes could undermine their hopes of reclaiming the league title from Orlando Pirates.

The Brazilians secured all three points at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday in a closely fought match. Substitute Sphelele Mkhulise scored twice in quick succession, while Brayan Leon also found the net for Sundowns. Victor Letsoalo scored for TS Galaxy.

However, the result followed a 2-2 draw against Polokwane in the MTN8, meaning Sundowns have conceded four goals across their last two fixtures. Cardoso believes that record must be addressed before the meeting with Amakhosi.

“It’s quite rare that we suffer two goals. Unfortunately, in the last two games, two shots and two goals. It is not something that makes me happy; we have to correct it as a team. We must have the right behaviour when we defend high and when we defend set pieces,” Cardoso told the media during the post-match press conference.

“When we suffer two, we have a high risk of losing the match, and obviously, we cannot lose points now, otherwise it will be a problem.

“But at the moment, two matches played, two victories. We get the energy from the victories.”

Cardoso was nevertheless delighted with the impact of Mkhulise, who came off the bench and scored twice late in the match to turn the game in Sundowns’ favour.

“It’s beautiful to see Pitso score two goals coming from the bench. The boy deserves all the luck because he is not only a fantastic player but also a fantastic boy,” he said.

“We love him so much, and I even carried him on my shoulders in front of the supporters to make him understand that we love him.

“He carried us through the match, and we have to reward him in front of the supporters.”

The victory gave Sundowns a perfect start to their league campaign, but their defensive display remains a concern as they prepare for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.

Sundowns are attempting to win back the league title after Orlando Pirates ended their reign last season. Cardoso said the club remain determined to challenge for the trophy, despite the difficulties they faced during the previous campaign.

“Last year we didn’t win the league, there were a lot of things we had to fight for throughout the competition. Everybody knows that it was a tough year and there were many factors.

“But we think we did very well in the end to fight throughout the season in the Champions League, where, in the end, we got that trophy.”