12 games in 36 days: Cardoso reveals Sundowns’ brutal ‘survival’ schedule

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has warned that “respect” will be the order of the day when the Brazilians travel to face TS Galaxy in a high-stakes Nedbank Cup Last 16 encounter this Saturday.

Fresh off a massive 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates that reignited their Betway Premiership title defence, Masandawana must now pivot to knockout football. Despite their domestic dominance over the last decade, the Nedbank Cup has eluded the Tshwane giants for three seasons—a “hurt” Cardoso is desperate to heal.

Respecting TS Galaxy

Standing in their way is a TS Galaxy side known for tactical fluidity. Cardoso, ever the pragmatist, is not taking the Rockets lightly.

“𝟭𝟮 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟯𝟲 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀!” 🔥

Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso opens up about the “management” required as his men face TS Galaxy in the #NedbankCup this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/SK1Nwap8yF

— Mthokozisi Dube (@dube_mthoko) February 21, 2026

“Galaxy is a team that has a good technical staff, which I respect,” Cardoso told the media. “Both teams know how to play and have a positive approach to the game. We need to be strong and resilient. Let’s hope the pitch is in good condition to allow for the football everyone wants to see.”

The 12-Game gauntlet For Sundowns

The clash comes in the middle of a brutal scheduling period for Sundowns. As they juggle the league chase, the CAF Champions League, and the Nedbank Cup, Cardoso revealed the staggering physical demands placed on his squad.

“From 14 February until 22 March, we have 12 matches,” Cardoso revealed. “You can only take it one match at a time. We just need to see what we have on the table and manage the players individually.”

While some might view the cup as a secondary priority to the “Big Two” (League and Champions League), Cardoso insisted that within the Chloorkop walls, every trophy carries equal weight.

“With all due respect, all the competitions are at the same level. We are determined to end the drought in this competition,” he added.

Sundowns currently sit second in the Premiership, trailing leaders Orlando Pirates by just three points with a game in hand. However, for 90 minutes on Saturday, all focus shifts to the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium and the pursuit of a quarter-final berth.