Sundowns coach Cardoso reacts to MTN8 Pirates draw: May the best team win

News24

2 days ago

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns headline the MTN8 semifinal draw.
Sundowns thrashed Richards Bay 4-0 to reach the semis on Sunday, while Pirates beat Polokwane City 2-0 on Saturday.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is chasing his first PSL knockout trophy.
On paper, many would argue that the MTN8 semifinal between cup holders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns is a dress rehearsal for what could be yet another two-horse race for the premiership title.
This is because the two teams have finished first and second, respectively, in the past three seasons, with no real sustained challenge from elsewhere.
However, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso said, while he expected the two teams to push each other once again, he cautioned against looking too far ahead.
May the best team win.
This is how Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso reacted after his team was drawn against cup holders Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 two-legged semifinals.
Stellenbosch FC will play Sekhukhune United in the other semi. @City_Press pic.twitter.com/mBFhHdMzBI
— Tiisetso Malepa (@TiisetsoMalepa) August 4, 2025
'I think we should not emphasise it in that manner. But I believe that the two teams will give a lot throughout the season,' said Cardoso after the semifinal draw, which was conducted immediately after Sundowns smashed Richards Bay 4-0 in the last quarterfinal clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday.
First-half goals from striker Iqraam Rayners and an own goal from Bay captain Simphiwe Mcineka gave Sundowns a 2-0 lead at the break. Rayners completed his brace 10 minutes into the second half.
Substitute Siyabonga Mabena put the final nail in Bay's coffin with a goal in the 76th minute.
Last year's losing finalists, Stellenbosch FC, will battle Sekhukhune United at home in the other semifinal.
Sekhukhune are in their first-ever semifinal in this competition.
The league is yet to confirm the dates and venues for the R10 million winner-takes-all Wafa Wafa tournament.
Cardoso, who joined Sundowns last December and won his first premiership title in May, is on the hunt for his first PSL knockout trophy.
The Portuguese lost to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semifinals in April in his first participation in a cup competition.
Sundowns were beaten by Stellenbosch in the MTN8 semifinals last year and lost against unfancied Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup final in November.
The two results, which occurred under Cardoso's predecessor, Manqoba Mngqithi, played a big role in the coaching change.
Cardoso said he hoped his team would be firing on all cylinders during the semifinal clash against Pirates.
I'm sure we and Pirates are in an emotionally uncomfortable position, but we always knew that the draw could go this way in the semifinals or the final. So, may the best team win.
Miguel Cardoso
He added: 'Obviously, there must be a result, and it will be interesting because the semifinals are played over two legs.
'Usually, the strongest team wins those big matches, and I think they will be two very tough matches.
'Hopefully, the two matches will come when we are in our two strongest moments, maybe in September.'
Sundowns will get the defence of their premiership title under way away against Chippa United on Saturday.