Miguel Cardoso’s Brazilians eye early league control against struggling Magesi

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to take control of the Betway Premiership when they host Magesi FC at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday at 3pm. 

The Brazilians have built their decade-long dominance on seizing early momentum, often sprinting into pole position before the chasing pack can react.

Miguel Cardoso’s side currently sit third on the log, but with Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United only in action in midweek, this clash presents a golden opportunity to rise to the summit. 

Victory would underline Sundowns’ intent to once again dictate the pace of the league campaign.

The champions come into this encounter unbeaten, with three wins and two draws from their opening five matches. 

Their defensive organisation has been a standout feature — just one goal conceded all season — while six goals scored show they can grind out results even when not at their fluent best. 

Cardoso has faced questions around his tactical tweaks, but the numbers suggest his team remains as ruthless and efficient as ever.

In contrast, Magesi arrive in Tshwane at the opposite end of the spectrum. 

John Maduka’s men are still searching for their first win of the season, drawing three and losing two of their opening five games. With just three points collected, they sit 14th on the table, nervously glancing at the relegation zone.

A lack of cutting edge has been their biggest flaw. Three goals scored and six conceded tell the story of a side caught between being too cautious and not clinical enough. 

Their most recent result, a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu, reflected their ongoing struggles — flashes of competitiveness undone by an inability to close out matches.

Maduka, who endured a turbulent spell at the now-defunct Royal AM, has yet to find a formula that gets the best out of this Magesi squad. 

His team often looks disjointed, with midfield transitions exposing their defence and forwards isolated when chances arise. 

For a trip to Lucas Moripe, he will need resilience, discipline, and perhaps a touch of luck to avoid another difficult afternoon.

History does not favour the visitors either. In their last three meetings, Sundowns have come out on top every time, including a 2-0 away win in their most recent clash. 

That record, coupled with Sundowns’ form, gives the champions a clear psychological edge heading into this fixture.

For Sundowns, this match is about setting the tone. A professional display and three points will not only put them top of the standings but also send a statement to rivals that the Brazilians remain the benchmark. 

For Magesi, the task is about survival, belief, and perhaps proving that they can compete with the very best despite their stuttering start.

The odds lean heavily toward Cardoso’s side, but in football, unpredictability always lingers. 

Magesi may not be expected to shock the champions, but they will know that even a point could inject much-needed confidence into their season.