Sundowns come unstuck against stubborn Chippa United
For most of this match, Sundowns dominated in all facets but the most important thing is they started the campaign with a point against the defending champions.
What lies ahead for United is consistency and playing well against the so-called small teams and that is going to be tested on Tuesday when they visit newly-promoted Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban.
Sundowns return to action on the same day against AmaZulu at Loftus where they will be looking for their first win of the season as they continue what is going to be a busy month.
Cardoso made three changes to the team that convincingly beat Richards Bay during the quarterfinal stage of the MTN8 last weekend with Mosa Lebusa ahead of Keanu Cupido and Fawaaz Basadien for Zuko Mdunyelwa.
In the midfield, Jayden Adams replaced captain Themba Zwane.
With these changes, Basadien made his first start for the Brazilians since he joined from Stellenbosch FC and Shalulile, who is rumoured to be on his way out of the club, started on the bench.
Still missing for Sundowns are defender Mudau and reigning Footballer and Players' Player of the season Ribeiro who are also believed to be heading for the exit door.
On the other hand, Badela, who is one of the youngest coaches in the league, showed his hand in his first match for the club as he went with a good balance of youth and experience.
For experience, he went with Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Ayabulela Konqobe, Sirgio Kammies and in the midfield he opted for Goodman Mosele, Sammy Seabi and Mfecane.
United did not miss Sinoxolo Kwayiba who has joined Orlando Pirates and they will be boosted by the availability of Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko who awaits his work permit.
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