Mamelodi Sundowns must overcome Orlando Pirates in a bid to carve cup legacy

Miguel Cardoso says the current Mamelodi Sundowns generation is the master of its own destiny, which is why the team wants to write its own history in cup competitions.

Sundowns have been the best team in the land for the past eight seasons, dominating the Premiership, which is now sponsored by betting giants Betway.

However, they’ve stuttered in domestic cup competitions — with their last triumph coming in 2022 under the leadership of co-coaches Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi.

Enter Cardoso. The Portugal-born coach is eager to run his own race at the club and ensure the team challenges for every trophy available on home soil.

Sundowns are currently in the MTN8 semi-final, where they are pitted against rivals Orlando Pirates.

The two powerhouses of South African football cancelled each other out in a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Orlando Stadium in Soweto last Saturday.

With Sundowns having scored a crucial away goal, they’ll head into the second leg at home — Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday at 3pm — high on confidence.

But Cardoso warns that it’s easier said than done, which is why they can’t afford to leave any stone unturned in Atteridgeville.

“For everyone associated with the club, this cup is important because it’s the next competition that we will finish,” the Sundowns coach explained.

“We have to look at it that way. So, we have to do our best. We don’t dwell on the past, but on the ambitions that we try to maintain in the club.

“So, considering that our next match is the most important one, we need to face it that way. If we do it correctly, we’ll earn the right to play in the final.

“But I totally agree, it’s time for the club to make its mark in cup competitions, and we have the conditions to get through. Let’s hope we’ll be stronger and able to do it.”

Sundowns are eyeing a strong start to the season, with triumph in the competition boosting their aspirations, which include competing on all fronts.

However, Cardoso knows that knockout matches can go either way — which is why he insists the team will have to quickly pick itself up if things don’t go as planned on Saturday.

“Obviously, it’s important to win cups, and for a club like Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s crucial to be in the deciding moments of all competitions,” Cardoso said.

“Myself and the players feel that the energy this competition brings at the start of the season will help us take a step forward.

“But one of the two most important teams in South Africa will be eliminated, and life will continue. Of course, we don’t want that to happen to us.

“We’ll approach the match in a very serious way, and inspire the players to decide the game in the right direction. We need to have a tactical approach that will help us.”

Sundowns are regarded as favourites going into this match, given their form, the home-ground advantage and the away-goal rule.

They boosted their chances by resting several key players — including Keanu Cupido, Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba — during their 2-0 league win over Magesi on Wednesday.

Cardoso says that strategy will only pay off if the players stick to the game plan on match day.

“What will tell us whether that was an advantage is how the players react on the day,” Cardoso explained.

“But let’s also see who’s going to start, because the players that played on Wednesday also made a statement. The rested players will make their own statement by how they contribute.

“I heard the Pirates coach (Abdeslam Ouaadou) say that the match needs inspiration and perspiration — he didn’t use the last word, but insisted you need spirit for these matches. And I agree!”