Cardoso hails Mamelodi Sundowns’ ‘belief, attitude’ in record-breaking PSL win over Chippa United

Mamelodi Sundowns took a significant step toward sealing their eighth consecutive league title after a commanding 3-0 win over Chippa United in their Premiership clash on Wednesday night.

The emphatic victory allowed the Brazilians to restore their 12-point lead at the top of the table over second-placed Orlando Pirates, who had earlier edged Golden Arrows 2-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.

Now just four points away from mathematically securing a record-extending 18th top-flight crown, Sundowns remain firmly on course for a historic season, with the possibility of adding a second CAF Champions League title also still alive.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso praised his players’ determination and composure after what marked their 21st win from 25 league outings this season.

“Every match that finishes 3-0 looks like flowers were coming from the sky, but it was hard work,” Cardoso said after the match.

“We saw a very difficult match from the beginning, with Chippa United closing the back and changing their structure.

“It was the first time in the season they were playing in a back five; they had never played in a back five previously.

“They played a 5-4-1 (formation), trying to close us down in the middle, and there was a moment when I called Tebza (Teboho Mokoena) to the bench, telling him we needed a change.

“He told me that he felt like we were going to score, and I said they only had five minutes, and it happened.

“I am telling this story because the boys have a huge commitment, belief and attitude towards the goals that we have.”

The Brazilians may have faced a few hiccups in this season’s league campaign compared to their flawless run last term, but their dominance remains undisputed, as reflected by their commanding lead at the top of the table.

Goals from Iqraam Rayners, Jayden Adams and Thapelo Maseko not only helped them ease past Chippa United, but also saw them break their own league record for most goals in a season.

The 3-0 win took their tally to 57 goals – surpassing the previous mark of 56 – with still three games left to play.

“I get happy when I have scores that go beyond 1-0,” Cardoso continued.

“I always say that we should score one more than the opponent, as I always maintain a zero on our end; then that will be fantastic.

“But that doesn’t mean that my attitude is not an aggressive and offensive one.

“It only means that I believe that teams are built on the capacity to understand the core moments of the game.”

The Brazilians have not only been a force in front of goal, but they have also conceded the fewest goals this season (13), and Cardoso believes the two aspects go hand in hand.

“Defending well helps you attack well, and attacking well also helps you avoid defending – and even helps you defend better,” the Sundowns mentor said.

“Today, we were not so strong in the moments when we lost the ball because the opponent attacked with long balls, making it difficult to push forward and press.

“It was not easy today to exploit counter-attacks either, because there wasn’t a lot of space. But I’m happy we scored a lot of goals – because goals win matches.”