Cardoso challenges Sundowns to end long MTN8 trophy drought

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has challenged his players to confront their poor record in the MTN8 as they attempt to end a run of only one triumph in the competition’s past 18 editions.

Sundowns begin their semi-final tie against Golden Arrows at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday (15:00), with Cardoso insisting the club must show that it values more than the CAF Champions League and the Betway Premiership.

The Pretoria-based side are the current champions of African football after ending a 10-year wait for continental success last season. That achievement came after a period of sustained domestic dominance, with Sundowns winning eight consecutive league titles before last season.

Their success in those two major competitions has nevertheless led to criticism that other trophies, particularly domestic cup competitions, have not always received the same attention. Sundowns’ most recent victories in the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup both came in the 2021-22 season, when Manqoba Mngqithi and Rulani Mokwena shared coaching responsibilities.

The club’s MTN8 record has attracted increasing scrutiny because the tournament presents the first opportunity to win silverware in the season, offers a R10 million prize for the winners and can establish momentum for the campaign ahead.

Cardoso said he raised the issue with his squad at the start of the season, asking why Sundowns had struggled to convert their status and resources into greater success in the competition.

“When we played Polokwane City in the first match, that was my first question to the players,” revealed Cardoso, speaking at the MTN headquarters in Randburg ahead of Sunday’s semi-final first-leg clash against Golden Arrows at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium (3pm).

“When there’s a pattern – winning one trophy out of 18 – it’s not good. We need to understand if there is something we are doing to lead us to that result, and if so, we need to be different. That’s the starting point. It will be something I remind the boys of as we prepare for the next match.”

As he prepares for his second attempt to win the Wafa Wafa competition, Cardoso said Sundowns had no intention of treating the MTN8 as a secondary priority. However, he also acknowledged that his team must manage a demanding schedule, with a match against AmaZulu to come on Wednesday and another midweek fixture after the second leg.

“The trophy has not been a regular at Chloorkop, but we value it. There’s no reason for us to undermine the competition,” Cardoso said, before noting the congested fixture list ahead.

“Obviously, we must take note of the fact that we play AmaZulu on Wednesday. After the second leg, we have a midweek match. Whatever lineup we field against Golden Arrows has nothing to do with not valuing the trophy, the sponsor, or the competition.

“We are simply trying to manage the moment. We will field players we believe are in the best position to win the game. It is our intention to win the semi-final tie and head to the final after the international break.”

Golden Arrows represent a significant obstacle to Sundowns’ ambitions. They reached the last four after eliminating Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals, producing a major upset under coach Pitso Dladla.

Dladla is seeking to win a cup competition in successive tournaments after guiding his former club, Durban City, to the Nedbank Cup late last season.

Cardoso expects the tie to remain competitive until the final whistle of both matches and said Sundowns’ approach must combine respect for their opponents with confidence in their own ability.

“The respect I have for the players and coaches of Golden Arrows makes me believe these will be two matches played until the final minute,” Cardoso admitted.

“That is how we manage to win: by having great respect for the opponent, but importantly, having great respect for ourselves. We need to fight in the first match for the best result possible.”