Cardoso targets first domestic cup success as Sundowns face Pirates in MTN8 final

Miguel Cardoso will attempt to add a domestic knockout trophy to his collection when Mamelodi Sundowns meet Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The Portuguese coach has already guided Sundowns to the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and the recently won Afrian-Asian Pacific Cup. However, the MTN8 remains outstanding, with Pirates seeking to maintain their dominance in the competition.

Cardoso’s continental success secured Sundowns’ second CAF Champions League star, but former Sundowns and Pirates goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane believes the coach can win over some of his doubters by claiming silverware at the start of the new season.

“Cardoso, as much as he is not a big favourite of some of the Sundowns supporters – mainly because of the style they have been used to over the last few years – he still managed to deliver for them in the continent, getting the second star,” Mabokgwane told Soccer Laduma.

“It’s now a new season, and with Sundowns, what you did last season honestly does not count for much because they are a team that always wants to do better, so it’s going to be very important for Cardoso to win this one.”

Sundowns did not win a domestic trophy last season and Mabokgwane says success in the MTN8 would give Cardoso an important lift while easing the pressure around his position.

“They did not win a domestic trophy last season, so I am sure that it’s something he wants to change. There’s bragging rights early in the season. Winning silverware early in the season gives you confidence and it eases pressure,” he said.

“If you don’t win the first trophy, you are under pressure for the second one and you don’t want that. It’s important for Cardoso and I think they will go guns blazing for this. I believe it’s important for the coach because you don’t want to create doubt from those who already doubt him. I think he will win a lot of hearts if he delivers this one and ease off the pressure to focus on the season.”

The final could again be decided by a shootout. The 2023 MTN8 final went to penalties, where Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine became the key figure with three saves.

Mabokgwane expects another closely fought contest and says Pirates will start as favourites after a strong opening to the campaign.

“I can promise you it’s going to be a tight one and it could go all the way to penalties,” he said. “Pirates have started the season well and they’ve continued from where they left off last season, so they are a strong side.”

“Pirates are favourites and on form, they are the team that’s more stable at the moment. But it’s a cup final and anything can happen.”

Mabokgwane predicts the match will last 120 minutes but believes it will not be goalless, with Sundowns motivated to change their recent fortunes in domestic cup competitions.