Mamelodi Sundowns urged to stay humble after adding MTN8 to trophy haul

Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso has called for humility after his side won their second trophy of the season less than three months into the campaign.

Sundowns defeated Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, securing the competition for the first time since 2021.

The victory means the MTN8 trophy can now take its place in the cabinet at Chloorkop alongside the African-Asian Pacific Cup, which Sundowns won shortly before the latest international break.

Cardoso, however, insists the early success must not distract the defending African champions from their next challenge.

Their CAF Champions League campaign begins this weekend, when Sundowns travel to face Angolan side Wiliete in the first leg of their qualifying tie. The South African club will be aiming to make a strong start and put themselves in a good position to reach the group stages.

Cardoso demands focus ahead of Champions League

Speaking to the media after Saturday’s final, Cardoso said winning the MTN8 had fulfilled an objective set at the start of the season, but warned his players against becoming complacent.

“It was time already to take it (the MTN8) again. Something we defined as an objective in the beginning of the season. Now, looking ahead, it’s important to keep humble,” the Portuguese manager said.

Sundowns’ domestic success has arrived alongside their continental ambitions, but Cardoso said the medals won in October should not become a reason for the squad to lose sight of its immediate responsibilities.

“It’s not because you collect two medals in October that you should be happy. Well, we should be happy, of course, but we should be humble enough to know that there is a match to be played, a Champions League qualifying round to be played next weekend,” he added.

Cardoso also stressed that Sundowns still had a significant amount of work ahead of them and urged the players to maintain both their concentration and belief in the team’s approach.

“Trust each other, trust the values that the team has been developing and keep ambitious. That’s how you can continue to state yourself in a difficult country to state yourself,” he said.

The MTN8 triumph ended Sundowns’ wait for the trophy, while the African-Asian Pacific Cup provided their first silverware of the season. Their attention now turns to Wiliete and the first step towards defending their CAF Champions League crown.