Cardoso says Champions League demands could decide three-way Premiership title race

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso believes the demands of domestic and continental football could determine the outcome of the Betway Premiership title race, while refusing to write off Kaizer Chiefs in an increasingly competitive battle involving Orlando Pirates.

Sundowns moved level with Pirates at the top of the table after a 2-0 victory over Milford on Wednesday. Both sides have collected 13 points from five matches, although Orlando Pirates remain first because of their superior goal difference.

Kaizer Chiefs are currently third, five points behind the leading pair, but have played one match fewer.

The early standings mark the beginning of another title contest between Sundowns and Pirates. Last season, The Buccaneers ended The Brazilians’ eight-year dominance of the league, securing their first title in 14 years after finishing one point ahead on the final day.

Cardoso, however, believes it is too soon to identify which team will maintain the consistency required to challenge for the championship. He expects the schedule to become significantly more demanding before the end of the year, particularly with the CAF Champions League qualifying rounds and group stages approaching.

“We’re going to enter the period of the season until December that will be completely different to the one we had until now, both teams will have to play a lot during the weeks,” Cardoso told reporters.

“We would have to play CAF Champions League matches, qualifying matches, then the group stages, let’s hope both teams can arrive there and play for something more important.

“And then we will see what is going to happen. The capacity to play a lot (of games) and the stress and the pressure, knowing that in the Champions League matches you have to put in the best ones otherwise you don’t win.”

The Portuguese manager suggested that success could depend on how effectively each squad copes with the pressure of playing several matches in a short period.

Teams may need to select their strongest line-ups for Champions League fixtures, while rotating players in domestic games. Cardoso said the ability of squad players to perform when called upon could prove decisive over the course of the season.

“And then on the other games, probably take out some of the best ones and let’s see if the other ones raise their 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, let’s see, interesting to see,” the 54-year-old coach added.

Sundowns are the defending Champions League winners and have reached the final in each of the past two seasons. Orlando Pirates were not involved in the Champions League group stages last season, while Kaizer Chiefs failed to progress from the CAF Confederation Cup group phase.

The three clubs will therefore face different levels of continental experience as the campaign develops, but Cardoso insists the current table provides only an early indication of the eventual title picture.

Sundowns’ win over Milford ensured they matched Pirates’ points tally after five games, but their inferior goal difference left them in second place. With Chiefs holding a game in hand, the early gap between the leading sides remains narrow and the coach expects the contest to remain open.