Is the PSL title gone? Miguel Cardoso opens up after Mamelodi Sundowns replaced Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has challenged his charges to continue fighting despite opening a two-point gap between them and rivals Orlando Pirates.

The defending champions beat Marumo Gallants 3-1 in their recent outing on Tuesday night before leaving for Mali where they will play Stade Malien in the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final.

Another big night. Another 3️⃣ points in the bag. Bafana Ba Style rise to the occasion and get it done! 💪💛

Mamelodi Sundowns (31’ Cupido, 62’, 90+3' Mokoena) 3️⃣➖1️⃣ Marumo Gallants (40’ Ndlondlo (P))#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/wxnXf1rB7H

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 17, 2026

Masandawana claimed a 3-0 victory in the first leg played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Mzansi.

The victory over Bahlabane ba Ntwa took Sundowns to 50 points from the 21 games they have played. The Soweto giants are two points behind after playing the same number of matches as well.

Mamelodi Sundowns need to continue fighting

“It’s more comfortable because Pirates were one point ahead. It’s more comfortable than two days before because we had a draw on points. But it’s not a really comfortable place to be. If we feel it’s comfortable, we are going to step in false for sure,” Cardoso stated in a presser.

“No, it’s not comfortable. It’s what it is, we need to fight for more. We need to fight and of course it’s a more comfortable place to be towards this break, feel that energy feel very positive. As I said in the beginning warry of thoughts flow, flows your energy. So, it’s always better to be in this position but a lot to do.

“If we think whatever we did will speak for us it’s wrong. What is going to speak for us is what we are going to do in the next match for sure. So, we need to focus on it, the Champions League one and then the PSL one and the following one, or any attitude other than that one we’ll make a step in false, and I don’t want this team to step in false,” the former Esperance coach added.

Winning helped Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for CAF CL

“So, let’s just live day by day. I told that to the boys at halftime, what are you thinking about, Champions League matches, come on, we don’t know if we are going to wake up tomorrow.

“We don’t know how we are going to wake up tomorrow. And if we don’t do well today, how are we going to look or how are you going to look at me. So, we prepare for the Champions League match.

Eyes on Mali as we gear up for our #TotalEnergiesCAFCL away match.

⚽ Stade Malien vs Mamelodi Sundowns
🏆 CAF Champions League
📆 22 March
⏰ 18H00 SAST
🏟 Stade 26 du Mars
📺 SS 205 & SABC#Sundowns #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/wKfQeMvpp8

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 19, 2026

“Winning today is a comfortable place to prepare for the Champions League match. But we need to look for that place every day so that we can prepare the next one with the best energy and that’s what we have to do. But don’t take for granted nothing,” Cardoso concluded.