Cardoso issues title warning to Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has warned his charges that there is “no room for error” as the Betway Premiership title race enters its most volatile phase.

🚨𝙂 𝘼 𝙈 𝙀 𝘿 𝘼 𝙔🚨

🆚 Durban City
⏰ 19H30
🏟 Chatsworth Stadium
📺 SS 205#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/f5rovwHYEc

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 7, 2026

The Brazilians reclaimed their spot at the summit of the table following a dominant 4-1 victory over Chippa United on Friday, but their stay at the top remains precarious. With eight games left to play, Sundowns (53 points) hold a razor-thin two-point lead over a surging Orlando Pirates side.

Cardoso focused on Durban City as Pirates breathe down Sundowns’ neck

Despite a massive CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Tunisian giants Espérance looming on Sunday, Cardoso is adamant that his side cannot afford to look past this evening’s away trip to Durban City.

“The message I gave to the boys is to think about one game at a time,” Cardoso told the media. “You don’t worry about the future; you worry about the present and the preparations for the next match. That is the only way to see the challenge ahead.”

With the championship reaching the “business end,” the Portuguese tactician has demanded absolute perfection from his squad to fend off the Buccaneers’ pursuit.

“We need to give maximum intensity because 99 per cent may not be enough. We always have to give 100 per cent as the championship goes to the last part and teams are also seeking points.”

Sundowns face a confident Durban City side that recently secured a spot in the Nedbank Cup final. While Masandawana took the spoils in a 3-1 win during the reverse fixture earlier this season, Cardoso believes only a sustained winning streak will guarantee the trophy stays at Chloorkop.

“If we want to be champions, we will have to have a good series of victories in the matches that we have left,” he added. “There will not be space for many losses of points. We have a sequence of two matches before we stop for the Champions League, and we must add a sequence of victories.”