Sundowns maintain perfect start as Cardoso praises mindset after Richards Bay win

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso praised his players’ approach after they followed their MTN8 triumph with a 4-1 victory over Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.

Sundowns had won the MTN8 final only a few days earlier, leaving Cardoso concerned about whether his squad would be able to maintain its focus for the league fixture at Princess Magogo Stadium.

His fears were eased as a brace from Iqraam Rayners, together with goals from Tashreeq Matthews and Fawaaz Basadien, secured another convincing result for the Brazilians.

Sandile Mabuya scored Richards Bay’s only goal.

The victory kept Sundowns top of the Betway Premiership with 23 points. They are one point ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have played one match fewer.

“I think from our side it was a match with a mission accomplished. I think for the people here it was probably easier to understand how difficult it is to play because of the wind,” Cardoso told the media during the post-match media conference.

“It’s not a complaint. We don’t control the wind. It’s just a statement about how both teams had difficulties establishing the game we wanted. But our main focus as coaches is that the boys could do it, after we played the final in the previous match. We needed to settle down and come into the match, to have a very serious approach from the first minute, trying to change the mindset something we worked on as soon as we woke up the day after the final.

“There was obviously the important work on the boys so we could recover, but mostly go over the emotions and come with a proper mindset to a match like this. And it was my worry before I think the team started strong.”

Sundowns turn attention to Wiliete SC

Sundowns will now prepare for the CAF Champions League second qualifying round, beginning with Sunday’s first leg against Wiliete SC at Estadio Nacional da Tundavala in Lubango, Angola. Kick-off is at 5pm.

Cardoso said his team would approach the tie with the necessary respect, pointing to Wiliete SC’s position in domestic football.

“They are a team that we must have a lot of respect for; they are a team that is leading the Angola championship,” he said.

“When you speak about having a lot of respect for the opponent, we must have proper preparation and commitment to how we will face the two matches. It will be a difficult qualifying round and we need to be at our best level.”