Mixed feelings for Miguel Cardoso after Sundowns’ seven-goal haul

The Brazilians remain top of the Betway Premiership standings after the 7-4 victory on Saturday night and continue to hope Orlando Pirates drop points in their remaining two fixtures.

Speaking after the match, Cardoso said he always expected his side to control proceedings, though he felt the defensive lapses were uncharacteristic of his team.

"Today we won the first half, but we lost the second one 3-2. It means that when you compared the way we played in each half - it's completely different. The goals appeared because in the first half we were much more loyal to what we want, of course I expected a drop but I also expected the players that came in to regulate the game before we go for more.

"At halftime I told them, 'Do you want this?' because I will not tell you not to go for it, because it was clear that the boys wanted to score more goals, but I think a result like that could only happen if our defence had the capacity to hold those attacks. There should be more balance between the disciplines."

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One of the most notable defensive lapses came when Khulumani Ndamane made a mistake that led to a goal – and Cardoso believes it’s a sign of fatigue.

"It's very clear that he is tired. He's not so reactive and agile. Fatigue is also not only physical, it's mental and the capacity to make technical tactical decisions is delayed a little bit sometimes. We just lost Keanu Cupido, Mothobi Mvala is still not available, and Grant Kekana cannot play in the CAF Champions League Final due to suspension."

Overall, the Sundowns coach concluded that even after winning, the fixture against Siwelele was not normal.