Miguel Cardoso: Marumo Gallants win sign of championship grit

The result sees Sundowns return to the top of the Betway Premiership, moving two points clear of Orlando Pirates.

While pleased with the outcome, Cardoso conceded there were moments that caused concern, with his side forced to dig deep rather than dominate in typical fashion.

"Today I wrote something and put it up in our locker room saying, 'To where our thoughts flow, flows our energy'. 

"I'm happy but I'm not absolutely satisfied. I saw something that is important to have in football when things don't go where you want to take them. I don't think the game was technically good at all, but we saw a hell of a fight to move in the direction of the three points."

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The Portuguese mentor added that making wholesale changes to the team, reserving energy ahead of their trip to Stade Malien in the CAF Champions League, was always going to affect their rhythm. 

On the two-goal hero Teboho Mokoena, the coach said they were managing his minutes bringing him from the bench and his quality was still evident. 

"High level players are like that, they know they have to perform all the time. I know Teboho had a moment this season when he was clearly tired and it was not an easy start for him.

"When you have character, you come back, and he came back with a good level."

Another big positive was the return of right back Zuko Mdunyelwa, who filled in for Khuliso Mudau against Gallants. 

The result sees Sundowns return to the top of the Betway Premiership, moving two points clear of Orlando Pirates.

While pleased with the outcome, Cardoso conceded there were moments that caused concern, with his side forced to dig deep rather than dominate in typical fashion.

"Today I wrote something and put it up in our locker room saying, 'To where our thoughts flow, flows our energy'. 

"I'm happy but I'm not absolutely satisfied. I saw something that is important to have in football when things don't go where you want to take them. I don't think the game was technically good at all, but we saw a hell of a fight to move in the direction of the three points."

The Portuguese mentor added that making wholesale changes to the team, reserving energy ahead of their trip to Stade Malien in the CAF Champions League, was always going to affect their rhythm. 

On the two-goal hero Teboho Mokoena, the coach said they were managing his minutes bringing him from the bench and his quality was still evident. 

"High level players are like that, they know they have to perform all the time. I know Teboho had a moment this season when he was clearly tired and it was not an easy start for him.

"When you have character, you come back, and he came back with a good level."

Another big positive was the return of right back Zuko Mdunyelwa, who filled in for Khuliso Mudau against Gallants.