Miguel Cardoso expects three-way Betway Premiership title race to intensify

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes it is too early to assess the intensity of this season’s Betway Premiership title race, but expects a demanding contest involving Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

Sundowns and Pirates were separated by just one point at the end of last season, when Pirates clinched the league title on the final day and denied the Brazilians a ninth successive championship.

The two leading sides have again made strong starts to the new campaign. Orlando Pirates are top of the table on 13 points from five matches, with their superior goal difference keeping them above Sundowns, who have also collected 13 points from five games.

Kaizer Chiefs are currently third, having taken eight points from four matches, and Cardoso expects them to remain part of the title picture as the season develops.

The Sundowns manager believes the complexion of the competition could change around December, when both his side and Pirates are also expected to be balancing domestic fixtures with CAF inter-continental competition commitments.

“I think that we’re going to enter a period of the season until December that will be completely different from the one we had until now,” said Cardoso.

Sundowns and Pirates will have to manage a heavier schedule as they compete in the Champions League, first through the qualifying rounds and then in the group stage. That additional workload, Cardoso argues, will test the depth and resilience of both squads.

“Both teams will have to play a lot during the weeks, they will have to play Champions League matches, qualifying then the group stage. Let’s hope both teams can arrive there and play for something more important.

“And then it will be when we’re going to see what is going to happen because the capacity to play a lot under stress, under pressure, knowing that in the Champions League matches you have to put the best ones, otherwise you don’t win.

“And then on the other games probably take out some of the best ones and let’s see if the other one raise for the level. That will speak for the teams.

“It’s too early but probably high-level competition between the three teams, also Chiefs will be there for sure and let’s see. It will be interesting to see.”

The title race was decided in dramatic fashion last season, with Pirates finishing above Sundowns by the narrowest of margins. That result ended Sundowns’ run of eight consecutive league titles and gave Pirates an early advantage in the rivalry between the two clubs this term.

Both teams have begun the current campaign with identical points totals, although Pirates’ better goal difference has placed them at the top of the standings. Chiefs’ presence in third adds another dimension to the contest, despite their lower points tally and having played one fewer match.

Cardoso said the impact of the Champions League schedule would only become clear once the teams are required to rotate their squads and maintain form across different competitions. For now, he expects the three clubs to remain closely matched, with the pressures of sustained competition likely to provide a clearer indication of their title credentials later in the season.