Cardoso wary of familiar Mohafe threat as Sundowns face Gallants

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his side must work for victory when they face Marumo Gallants and former Polokwane City coach Phuti Mohafe in a Betway Premiership meeting at Loftus Stadium this evening.

Cardoso is familiar with the challenge posed by Mohafe, who previously led Polokwane City and has been involved in several difficult encounters with Sundowns. Mohafe is now in charge of Gallants, who are still searching for their first win of the season after drawing one and losing one of their opening two Betway Premiership matches.

Sundowns have also made an unbeaten start, although Cardoso’s team have yet to keep a clean sheet. They have conceded five goals across their three matches so far, a record that will concern the Portuguese coach as he prepares for another demanding test.

Speaking to the media earlier this week, Cardoso praised the quality of Gallants’ squad and reflected on the tactical problems Mohafe had caused during his time at Polokwane City. He also used the match to make a wider point about the venues selected for important fixtures in South Africa.

“First of all, Marumo had and has players that are very interesting. Second, it’s true, the coach in the past made life difficult for Sundowns. I also remember most of those matches were played in that second stadium in Polokwane. It was like a strategy to take Sundowns there to not allow the game to be played in the way it has to be played,” Cardoso said.

He referred to a previous fixture against TS Galaxy, when there had been an appeal for the game to be moved to a smaller stadium. The league rejected that request, a decision Cardoso believes represented progress.

“That is something that I want to praise because when we played TS Galaxy, there was an appeal to change the game to a smaller stadium and the league didn’t allow that to happen. That is also a step forward. We just need to be consistent about that attitude. Good matches should be played on the best pitches. That’s how South Africa will develop.”

Cardoso acknowledged the significance of facing Mohafe again but insisted that Sundowns could not rely on optimism alone. Preparation and effort, he said, would determine whether the league leaders-in-waiting could overcome Gallants.

“Good challenge to face the coach again. Let’s hope we can succeed. But more than hope, let’s work for it to happen because hope will bring nothing,” he added.

Sundowns may strengthen their attacking options by handing striker Cassius Mailula his first start since returning to the club. Cardoso will be seeking greater cutting edge from his team as they attempt to maintain their unbeaten beginning while addressing their defensive shortcomings.

The match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants will kick off at Loftus Stadium this evening.