Cardoso praises Sundowns' mental strength after back-to-back wins

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has lauded his side’s mindset after their 4-1 victory over Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership match on Tuesday, just a few days after clinching the MTN8 title.

Cardoso was concerned before the match about the players’ mindsets at Princess Magogo Stadium, but was pleased with the commitment they showed.

A brace by Iqraam Rayners and other goals by Tashreeq Matthews and Fawaaz Basadien saw the Brazilians continue their impressive run across all competitions.

Sandile Mabuya scored the only goal for the Natal Rich Boyz.

The win also saw them maintain their lead at the summit of the table with 23 points and lead second place Orlando Pirates, who have a game in hand, by one.

“I think from our side it was a match with a mission accomplished. I think for the people here it was probably easier to understand how difficult it is to play because of the wind,” Cardoso told the media during the post-match media conference.

“It’s not a complaint. We don’t control the wind. It’s just a statement about how both teams had difficulties establishing the game we wanted. But our main focus as coaches is that the boys could do it, after we played the final in the previous match. We needed to settle down and come into the match, to have a very serious approach from the first minute, trying to change the mindset — something we worked on as soon as we woke up the day after the final.

“There was obviously the important work on the boys so we could recover, but mostly go over the emotions and come with a proper mindset to a match like this. And it was my worry before — I think the team started strong.”

Sundowns will now shift their focus to the CAF Champions League second qualifying round first leg against Wiliete SC at Estadio Nacional da Tundavala in Lubango, Angola, on Sunday at 5pm.

Cardoso said they will give that team the respect they deserve.

“They are a team that we must have a lot of respect for; they are a team that is leading the Angola championship,” he said.

“When you speak about having a lot of respect for the opponent, we must have proper preparation and commitment to how we will face the two matches. It will be a difficult qualifying round and we need to be at our best level.”