AmaZulu win vital for Sundowns unity – Miguel Cardoso

The reigning Betway Premiership champions left it late to secure all three points, with substitute Marcelo Allende striking the decisive goal in the dying moments at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Cardoso revealed there had been intense reflection within the camp following their recent Nedbank Cup elimination, with the squad eager to respond to criticism and reassert their quality.

"We spoke a lot about life during these last few days and how we can focus on the present moment because we don't know wheat tomorrow has in store. That was the message I gave to the boys, that we should commit to today because we don't know if we are going to be here tomorrow.

"I think the last cup match was very unfair because considering the conditions of the match, we fought as hard as we could but football penalises you when you make mistakes."

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The Portuguese mentor also reprimanded Sundowns supporters for allegedly booing the players during their warm-up before the Usuthu clash.

Cardoso says there are no divisions at the club.

"We need to be supportive. Today I saw something that I have never seen and I didn't like. I didn't like to see the players of Sundowns being booed during the warm-up. I think the masandawana family needs to stay together because these players work a lot and they don't deserve to enter a pitch and a match like this while being booed."

With the title race reaching its climax, Cardoso added that the backing from the fans will be crucial instead of just criticising.

Despite their cup exit, Cardoso insists Sundowns remain in a rich vein of form, with the win over AmaZulu serving as further proof of their momentum in the title run in.