Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso adamant ‘technically not the best game’

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was not satisfied with his team’s exploits in the recent Premier Soccer League outing.

On Tuesday night, the defending champions beat Marumo Gallants 3-1 to go top of the table with 50 points from 21 outings. Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya was unfortunate to score an own-goal in favour of the visitors, but Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo responded from the penalty spot to ensure the teams went to the break 1-1.

However, Teboho Mokoena struck twice with Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners providing the assists, to ensure Masandawana collected maximum points at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Despite the win, the former Esperance coach was not happy with the way his players displayed the game.

Technically, not best Mamelodi Sundowns game

“I think you resume it very well, technically not the best game. First half, I was really, really not satisfied. I think we need to understand it’s time to give everything from the first minute, we were a little bit sloppy on the start and then I think we showed not too much respect for the others but for ourselves,” the tactician opened up to the media.

“By not committing with the highest intensity and when thoughts flow your energy. Second half, we changed the attitude, it was not the best game I repeat. But a good fight in the second half, I think we had to take the bull by the horns and in the end quite tasty three points for sure.

“Now, obviously this is a team that doesn’t know how to play without the ball so despite you mind can go one dimension that needs to defend the result which was so difficult to achieve. You cannot have that attitude, we need to defend the way knowing how to play our football,” Cardoso concluded.

The next fixture will be away to Stade Malien in the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final. The Brazilians won the first leg 3-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.