Cardoso challenges Sundowns to seize control against Pirates

In an eagerly awaited MTN8 semifinal first leg clash against Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has urged his players to seize the initiative on the pitch.

The two teams will meet on Saturday at Orlando Stadium (3PM SA time), with the Buccaneers coming off two consecutive league losses to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants.

Pirates’ new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has been under fire for his team selection, which has seen him give new players like Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Ntuli, Sipho Mbule, Abdoulaye Mariko, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, and Boitumelo Radiopane opportunities. This decision has not been well-received by supporters, and it remains to be seen if Ouaddou will stick with his new recruits or recall more experienced players such as Deano van Rooyen, Thalente Mbatha, Tshegofatsho Mabasa, and Evidence Makgopa.

Cardoso, a self-described “blue guy” who likes to control everything before a match, said his players must be prepared to react to anything.

“We are always prepared and we always try to predict anything that can happen in the match,” he said. “There are always things the players do on the pitch and those things most of the time don’t come from coaches but from players themselves. As coaches, we don’t control those things.”

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 💬

⚽ Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns
🏆MTN8 Semi-Finals
🗣 Miguel Cardoso

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— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 15, 2025

Acknowledging the possibility of a different Pirates lineup, Cardoso emphasised that his players must take it upon themselves to perform.

“Most times, those things are difficult to cope with, rather than the plans of the coaches. Players must take it upon themselves to excel and show what they have on the pitch,” he explained. “What players do on the pitch we don’t control, but what we can do is to try to install the right emotional connections for them so they can perform to the best of their abilities.”

Cardoso also noted that both teams are currently in a period of development. “I expect an Orlando Pirates team that is under development, but Sundowns is also under development, even though it does not look like that. We have had losses in the squad, and those players had a lot of impact on how we used to play,” he said.

“We are adapting to new realities. Sometimes it is difficult to cope with the loss of players who were important to your team, rather than when you keep the team and change the coach.”

“The team is growing and fighting to see how we are going to be in about two months’ time. The game will bring different ideas of how the teams are and what they are able to express,” he concluded. “I will prepare the players as best as possible for the challenge we are going to face.”