Miguel Cardoso reacts to Mamelodi Sundowns draw

By Mazola Molefe
10th August 2025

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso kept his cool after their opening day 1-1 draw with Chippa United, stressing the title race is a marathon, not a sprint.

The reigning Betway Premiership champions were held at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha — a result that might have sparked panic among fans.

With defender Khuliso Mudau and striker Lucas Ribeiro still sidelined amid ongoing transfer talk, their absence was felt, but Cardoso maintained that Sundowns must take each game as it comes.

"It's not the best outcome to begin a championship with a draw, but now we just have to fight for all three points in our next match.

"We'll look back on this match and see where exactly we went wrong," said a frustrated Cardoso.

READ: Sinethemba Badela: Chippa cannot save best for big guns only

Sundowns welcomed back striker Peter Shalulile despite uncertainty over his future, with Cardoso explaining why the Namibian was an unused substitute.

"I like to play with two strikers on the pitch, but the Sales substitution changed our plans. We have to manage the squad we have, and I will do my best to get the best out of them."

Cardoso praised Chippa’s defensive discipline but admitted Sundowns’ youngsters lacked the extra bite when brought on.

"We must give credit to Chippa United, and how they defended with intensity. They played with life and heart, but some fortune for us in the right moments would've changed the narrative of this match," concluded Cardoso.