Cardoso Warns Sundowns Against Complacency Ahead of Chiefs Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has brushed off claims that his side are favorites heading into their Betway Premiership showdown against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, March 1 at Lucas Moripe Stadium (15:30).

Sundowns, currently leading the league with 51 points from 19 matches, secured a 4-2 victory over Sekhukhune United in midweek, extending their lead at the top of the table to 15 points over second-placed Orlando Pirates. Chiefs, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency this season and sit eighth with 25 points from 18 games.

Cardoso maintains that only the correct mindset would guarantee a victory, even though Sundowns is 26 points ahead of the other club.

Cardoso: "There Are No Favorites in Football", “I don’t accept the favorites tag. When the whistle blows, there are no favorites—only teams that show what they are capable of on the pitch,” Cardoso told reporters.

“If I pass down this idea to my players, it could create complacency. I always say, 100% effort can win you everything, but 99% can lose you everything.”

The Portuguese strategist made sure his team had the proper mindset going into the game by stressing the value of discipline and focus.

Respect for Chiefs and Coach Nabi

Cardoso also acknowledged the tactical approach of Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi, dismissing the notion that Amakhosi will adopt a defensive approach against Sundowns.

“Nabi is not new to football. He is an intelligent coach who knows how to develop his team. He will not just sit back; he has a plan to challenge us,” Cardoso added.

Can Chiefs Bounce Back?

Chiefs are coming off a heavy 4-1 defeat to SuperSport United on February 18, while Sundowns remain unbeaten in their last 19 league matches. However, with 11 days of preparation, Amakhosi could be well-rested and ready for a fight.