Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting his side as they prepare to meet Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-final this Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The upcoming encounter marks the fourth time the two South African giants have faced each other this season.
Sundowns hold the upper hand, having emerged victorious in all three previous meetings, but Cardoso insists there will be no room for complacency as the stakes rise.
“It will be a tough game,” said the Portuguese coach. “Kaizer Chiefs are a strong side with a very experienced coach in Nassredine Nabi.
We know what they are capable of, and we must push Mamelodi Sundowns to the highest level of motivation and ability to overcome the challenges that will arise during the 90 minutes.”
Cardoso’s comments reflect a focused mindset within the Sundowns camp, which has enjoyed a dominant run in domestic competitions this season.
However, the coach remains wary of the unpredictable nature of knockout football and the pedigree of their semi-final opponents.
While attention is firmly on the looming fixture, Cardoso also opened up about the complexities of managing a deep and talented squad.
With fierce competition for places, keeping morale high among players who are not regularly featured has become one of his key responsibilities.
“I love all my players,” he said. “Even those who don’t play often contribute to the team. Their attitude, support, and effort in training are crucial.
It’s not easy for them, but we are a family, and everyone has a role to play.”
One player who has caught the eye recently is Neo Maema, whose standout performances for the national team have drawn praise. Cardoso, however, pointed out that limited training time can affect players’ ability to fully showcase their capabilities at club level.
“It’s difficult when there’s little time to train,” he admitted. “But the opportunities will come. Players like Neo must stay ready, and we will continue to assess and reward performance.”
With a place in the Nedbank Cup final at stake, the match against Chiefs carries immense significance.
The winner will go on to face either defending champions Orlando Pirates or Marumo Gallants, who square off in the other semi-final.
Despite Sundowns’ recent dominance in this fixture, Cardoso knows that form counts for little when it comes to one-off knockout matches.
He emphasized the need for discipline, focus, and execution in what is expected to be a fiercely contested affair.
“This is a cup semi-final, and anything can happen,” he warned. “We respect Chiefs, and we are preparing with maximum seriousness.
We know what it means to our fans, to the club, and to the players. We will give everything.”
Kick-off at Loftus Versfeld promises a clash filled with intensity, history, and high stakes — a fitting backdrop as South Africa’s top clubs battle for a spot in the Nedbank Cup final.
