Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso urges focus despite winning run

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has downplayed his side’s impressive nine-game unbeaten streak in the South African Premier Division, insisting that sustained focus and consistency—not just current form—will determine their title fate.

The reigning champions returned to the summit of the table after a commanding 4-1 victory over Chippa United FC at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday night. The result sees Sundowns open a two-point gap over second-placed Orlando Pirates FC, further strengthening their position in the title race.

Despite the dominant run of form, Cardoso remains grounded, warning that the job is far from done and urging his players not to lose sight of the bigger picture.

“Very important to win nine consecutive games but not enough,” Cardoso said. “We need to look forward and continue to collect wins, because if we sit on what we did, for sure we will not arrive where we need to arrive.”

The Sundowns coach emphasized that maintaining momentum will be key as the season reaches its decisive phase, with little room for error in the tightly contested title race.

“So next match, let’s try to go to Durban, make a job similar to what we have been doing, not worrying about how many goals or wins,” he added. “I don’t even think about that, because it takes you to a spot or place that gives you nothing.”

Cardoso further stressed the importance of consistency over spectacle, highlighting that chasing statistics or focusing on winning streaks can be counterproductive if the ultimate goal is lost.

His message was clear: the pursuit of the championship must be built on discipline, game-by-game focus, and relentless effort.

“So we cannot let it go, we have to think about the next ones,” he continued. “If we want to be champions, we need to make a good series of victories in the matches we still have—there will not be space for many losses of points.”

With a demanding schedule ahead, including a crucial trip to Durban and upcoming fixtures in the CAF Champions League, Cardoso outlined the importance of managing priorities without losing momentum.

“Focus is now the Durban match, then the Champions League, then we go back into the league,” he said. “There is no space to lose many points, so we have to add more victories to that nine wins for sure.”

As Sundowns continue their push for yet another league title, Cardoso’s message reflects a coach intent on keeping his squad grounded, disciplined, and fully committed to the challenges ahead.