Half-time tweaks to 'Yellow Machine' fine-tune Mamelodi Sundowns' performance
Marcelo Allende of Mamelodi Sundowns was the Player of the Match against cape Town City on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Coach Miguel Cardoso's half-time adjustments to his 'Yellow Machine' proved pivotal in securing a 2–0 Betway Premiership victory over Cape Town City on Saturday at the Cape Town Stadium.
Following a challenging first half — during which Mamelodi Sundowns scored just once despite dominating possession — Cardoso's tactical changes bore fruit after the break, with his side doubling their tally.
Sundowns looked far slicker in the second half, clearly showing Cardoso had instructed a more assertive approach. Sundowns created several more scoring opportunities, though they only managed one additional goal to show for their efforts.
Late in the second half, Cardoso made five substitutions in quick succession, drawing a rousing cheer from the Yellow Nation for fan favourite Themba Zwane, who came on to replace first-half scorer Iqraam Rayners.
Saturday's result moves Sundowns tantalisingly close to an eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title — a remarkable testament to their dominance in South African football. Cardoso expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the performance.
'Amazing, and again a very good performance. Not an easy game because the first half was quite tricky,' said Cardoso.
'We had to correct our positioning at half-time, and it was well received. In the second half, I think we coped even better, and what followed were beautiful goals and a strong display.'
'The boys are fighting so hard for what they want — the title. We are committed to every match, and now it's on to the next one, and the next. We'll try to get it.
'We need to respect everyone, because the next opponent, Chippa United, will again be tough.'
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
Cardoso credited the heart of Sundowns' performances to team spirit and humility. He highlighted 'Player of the Match' Marcelo Allende as an embodiment of the squad's synergy.
'I think we are a humble team. Humility is not a bad value — though not too much of it,' said Cardoso.
'If it's excessive, of course it's not right. But having it in the right sense, understanding the step-by-step, is how you build a career — by working hard.
'That's what my boys are doing, and Marcelo is one of them. He is a high-quality player, but it's beautiful to see how they all remain humble.
'I'm a very proud coach — proud of the club where I work, proud of the family that supports this club. I'm proud of the values we cultivate, and also proud of the work of the boys and my staff.'
Best 12th man in the world and we heard you from the first minute to the last 👏
Your support does not go unnoticed 💙#iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/cWQjonxTu1 — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 4, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
21 minutes ago
- IOL News
Caster Semenya highlights South Africa's medal potential at World Athletics Championships
Caster Semenya, now focusing on coaching, has talked up SA's medal chances in Tokyo later this year. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Caster Semenya is confident in SA's medal prospects at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo in September, but called for more backing for South African athletes. TeamSA, especially the sprinters, are continuing to light up international meets. Sprinter Akani Simbine is unbeaten in the 100m so far this year, while youngster Bayanda Walaza is staking his claim as the heir apparent. Zakithi Nene boasts the fastest time over the men's 400m so far in 2025. 'I think if you can continue being consistent and working hard we'll do great,' Semenya told Independent Media on Sunday at the Comrades. 'Simbine is doing quite well; he has been consistent and unbeaten this year, so I'm happy with where he is. And obviously, the young boy Walaza is coming okay. I wish them the best of luck in terms of being consistent throughout the season and wish them the best of luck in the championship. 'Then in the road running, we have the Glenrose Xabas who are doing well. Adriaan Wildschutt is doing great, so if we continue being great like that I don't see a problem.' The former multiple Olympic and world champion over 800m is also confident of current star Prudence Sekgodiso chances over the distance at the showpiece event. South African middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso showed that she has taken another significant step forward by claiming gold in the indoor champs earlier this year in a SA record of 1:58.40. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Sekgodiso, the world indoor 800m champion and Paris 2024 Olympian, is coached by former South African middle-distance runner Samuel Sepeng. 'They are building up to the world championships. With her form I think anything can happen,' Semenya said. 'The best that she could do is to make sure that she's patient enough and make sure that she eyes being in the final, because once you are in the final anything is possible. 'As for the rest of the track and field family, they're in a good state. We were able to win medals in the world relays.' Semenya insists that they won't succeed without backing. 'It also comes down to the leadership, the management. They need to learn how to invest in these athletes, making sure that athletes are well taken care of,' she said.
The South African
35 minutes ago
- The South African
Teko sends honest transfer message to Orlando Pirates boss
Teko Modise knows the world of being an Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana superstar like Relebohile Mofokeng. The Soweto-born legend has sent what sounds like a plea to Orlando Pirates regarding the future of the 20-year-old Mofokeng. Randfontein-born star had a decent season with 12 goals and 15 assists in 49 games. According to Modise, Mofokeng is ripe to take the ideal next step in his career. It is a move to Europe, where football is at its highest level. Orlando Pirates news: Saleng and Sibisi 'When it comes to Rele, it's very difficult for Orlando Pirates to sell, especially when it comes to top players,' Modise told FARPost on the talented Sea Robber. 'The last time they had a player who was exciting like that was [Thembinkosi] Lorch. Yes, sometimes, as South African fans, we want to see the youngsters go further abroad and do great things,' the Orlando Pirates legend added. 'I just wish that happens for him sooner rather than later so that he becomes a better player. The better Rele, the better the national team will be, cause at some point, he's going to be the superstar of the national team. 'I strongly believe that Orlando Pirates know what they have. I just hope that it happens for the boy, I so wish that it happens for the boy. Relebohile Mofokeng in action for Orlando Pirates against Cape Town City FC at the DHL Stadium. Image: @safootclassics/X 'It will not only improve his life but also his family. He must play the UEFA Champions League, cause I think if he gets to be in that type of position, I'll be more proud because he would have gotten the opportunities that I never had. 'I'm rallying that he goes [overseas] because it would be great to see the youngster that we've all seen from the DDC to the PSL to actually go overseas. That would be great,' Modise added on the young Buccaneer. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
5 Mamelodi Sundowns players left out of Club World Cup squad
BIG NAMES LEFT OUT Mamelodi Sundowns announced their Club World Cup squad, leaving out key players like Jody February (pictured), Thapelo Maseko and Matías Esquivel. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix With the Club World Cup kicking off in the USA on Saturday, there were a number of big-name omissions in the Mamelodi Sundowns squad, which will be hoping to make South Africa proud. With Sundowns' first match a week, scheduled for June 10, against Ulsan HD in Orlando, Florida, it will be with a powerful 26-player squad. As with any squad, there will always be a number of players left disappointed by being left out. Themba Zwane will lead Sundowns at the tournament, with Ronwen Williams handling the vice-captaincy duties.
