Cardoso hails Mamelodi Sundowns fightback in MTN8 triumph

The Brazilians have now set up a mouthwatering clash against rivals Orlando Pirates on 10 October, with the venue yet to be confirmed. It will pit last season’s Betway Premiership champions against the runners-up in a blockbuster fixture. 

Speaking after Sundowns’ victory at King Zwelithini Stadium, Cardoso was particularly pleased with his side’s never-say-die attitude as they fought back from a first-leg deficit to book their place in the final.

"It's not easy to score three goals against Golden Arrows considering they did not conceded a single goal before this match. They are a team who play with a lot of energy and defend with a lot of compromise and commitment. We had to build a positive attitude around this match after arriving here with a strong disadvantage.

"Since we play in the CAF Champions League, we have grown used to this kind of context  where it is very important not to suffer home goals, but we knew once we got the away goal that would then put the pressure back on Arrows."

READ: How MTN8 away goal-rule cost Golden Arrows

Cardoso added that his substitutions also had to be calculated as the game could turn at any moment given that it was being played on the edge.

Cardoso also explained the reason for his rotation policy so early on in the season following the return of defender Khulumani Ndamane. 

"We have the same team, but always different lineups because there are so many matches in a short period of time, and our stability in rotation comes with time, patience, and commitment from the players."