Sundowns on brink: Cardoso highlights "teamwork and unity" in Stellenbosch win

Miguel Cardoso. Photo credit: Mamelodi Sundowns

"Teamwork and unity." These were the words on coach Miguel Cardoso's lips following Mamelodi Sundowns’ 3-0 win over Stellenbosch FC at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday afternoon.

The impressive victory has positioned Sundowns just one point away from an unprecedented eighth successive league title.

While Orlando Pirates, currently occupying the second position in the league standings, still have two matches remaining, the maximum number of points they can achieve is 67. This is the same points tally that league leaders Sundowns have already secured.

Furthermore, a significant disparity exists in goal difference between the two teams, with Sundowns boasting a figure of +47 compared to Orlando Pirates' +19, highlighting the substantial gap in overall performance.

Cardoso lauded the cohesive spirit and collaborative effort that propelled his side to victory, emphasizing these core principles as the bedrock of their continued dominance.

The Tshwane giants' commanding position at the summit of the league table is underscored by a significant gap they have opened their nearest rivals, Orlando Pirates.

While the Buccaneers still have two matches in hand, even maximum points from these fixtures would only see them reach a total of 67 – the exact tally the Brazilians have already amassed.

Further highlighting Sundowns' dominance is their formidable goal difference of 47, a stark contrast to Pirates' 19, illustrating the substantial gap in overall performance between the two sides.

Coach Miguel Cardoso expressed satisfaction with the team's attacking performance against Stellenbosch, noting the contributions of Lucas Ribeiro, Iqraam Rayners, and Arthur Sales, all of whom found the back of the net in the victory.

“What’s important is that we saw Iqraam [Rayners], Tashreeq [Matthews], Lucas [Ribeiro], Arthur [Sales] even then we saw Thapelo [Maseko] enter at a good level,” said Cardoso. “So, it’s important that the team produces football and the goals will flourish naturally and I don’t worry about who scores.

“I worry if the players who are inside the pitch work for the team in order for the team to score and that’s been happening. Lucas, today made a wonderful pass for Iqraam for the goal.

“This is the spirit we have, values we have and having written in our shirts ‘ubuntu botho’ it means we work as a team and not as individuals so I’m always happy when we score, play together and enjoy football that’s the important thing.”