Ndamane: ‘What Cardoso told Sundowns players ahead of AmaZulu’

Defender Khulumani Ndamane has challenged his Mamelodi Sundowns team-mates to bounce back from their recent Nedbank Cup setback, further sharing coach Miguel Cardoso’s message to the squad.

Fixtures are coming thick and fast for the Betway Premiership champions who face AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday, three days after exiting the Nedbank Cup Round of 16.

🚨𝙂 𝘼 𝙈 𝙀 𝘿 𝘼 𝙔🚨

🆚 AmaZulu FC
⏰ 19H30
🏟Moses Mabhida
📺 SS 208#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/BvZ9uTrVqP

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 24, 2026

Before the latest setback, Cardoso’s men were riding on the momentum of winning two big matches—2-0 against MC Alger in the CAF Champions League and 2-1 over Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership back.

Miguel Cardoso’s message to Sundowns players

However, TS Galaxy brought Sundowns back to earth with a 2-0 victory to boot them out of the Nedbank Cup on Saturday.

Ahead of the Betway Premiership assignment on the road, Ndamane since urged his team-mates to put behind the disappointment from the TS Galaxy match.

The youthful defender also shared what Cardoso had told the players ahead of the meeting with Arthur Zwane’s charges.

“We were not fine following our exit in the Nedbank Cup, but that has happened, and we need to move forward and focus on the next game. The coach told us to focus on this one game we are playing on Tuesday, so that’s what we are doing now,” Ndemane told Sundowns website.

Why game is crucial in Betway Premiership table

The 22-year-old said he is aware that Usuthu are not pushovers, as they lie in fifth place, just five points behind the defending champions.

“I think it’s going to be a difficult game because AmaZulu have been doing well in their last few matches. So, we’ll need to focus on this game and ensure that we stick to the game plan. It will be important for us to win this game,” Ndamane explained.

“I’d like to encourage the Yellow Nation to come out in numbers to rally behind the team. Your presence is what keeps us going and displaying outstanding performances.”

Tuesday’s game is crucial to both teams: With victory over Usuthu, Sundowns can go level on points with leaders Pirates. Zwane’s side can also move to within two points of the second-placed Pretoria-based giants with maximum points.

Kick-off has been scheduled for 19H30, live on SuperSport TV.