Mamelodi Sundowns anticipating Orlando Pirates shocker? Miguel Cardoso not ready to pop the champagne - 'We just need to celebrate win against Chippa United, nothing more'

Mamelodi Sundowns made a huge step toward their eighth consecutive Premier Soccer League title on Wednesday night with a 3-0 win over Chippa United.

The defending champions scored their goals through Iqraam Rayners, Jayden Adams, and Thapelo Maseko.

They have now won 21 games from the 25 played, drawing once and losing three times, meaning they have garnered 64 points.

Sundowns have three games remaining to conclude the season, but have managed to open a 12-point lead ahead of Orlando Pirates, who have five matches remaining.

The PSL favourites might be crowned if they beat Stellenbosch on Sunday, and the Soweto giants fail to beat Golden Arrows in their next mid-week assignment.

Despite their good run and indications showing the Brazilians are on course to win yet another league title, coach Miguel Cardoso has refused the temptation of claiming the race is done.

“No big respect from what we have had, we have a match against Stellenbosch, a difficult team to play against, then we have to play Chippa again and we just heard that the match would not be played at a big [Nelson Mandela Bay] Stadium but [at Buffalo City Stadium],” the tactician said after victory over the Chilli Boys.

“Then we play Magesi at home, and it will depend on us. We know [Pirates] will play matches until the end of the month, and it allows them to play games after we finish ours. I don't think it should happen like that. Every team should finish at the same time.

“But we need to focus on the next match, like the previous ones, fight to win and collect the three points because we know our opponent won't play at the weekend because they will be participating in the Nedbank Cup final," Cardoso continued.

“Then we have to play again on Wednesday and we will try our best to collect as many points until mathematically it is done, and then we will think about celebrating. Until then, I will not allow everyone to celebrate.

“We just celebrated today's victory, nothing more, then we go for the next one," he concluded.

With the Caf Champions League final against Pyramids coming in the next two weeks, Cardoso will definitely manage his stars to ensure they are fit to deliver continental glory.

Pirates will also be pushing for their faint PSL hopes, but their main target will be to defend their Nedbank Cup title this weekend against Kaizer Chiefs.