Mamelodi Sundowns coach urges calm heads ahead of year's final game - 'In football, you must manage emotions well'

Mamelodi Sundowns have been revitalized under the guidance of new coach Miguel Cardoso, who has instilled resilience in his team.

This was evident in their recent victory against AmaZulu, where a late goal from in-form striker Iqraam Rayners sealed the win.

Cardoso emphasized the importance of managing emotions and staying composed in challenging moments.

His side faces a crucial year-ending clash against Richards Bay, and he has made it clear that mental focus is essential.

The Portuguese mentor’s calm and strategic approach has brought stability and consistency to the Brazilians.

Players have begun to respond positively, showing grit in tough matches, as seen in their last outing. Now, Sundowns are eager to maintain their top position in the league heading into the new year.

“I believe that when you are playing football you need to manage your emotions very well,” said Cardoso as reported by iDiski Times.

“Emotions have to do with what’s happening in every moment in the pitch because if you live the right emotions probably or for sure your behaviours will be the right ones in what will happen after in terms of behaviours on the pitch, the results that you get from behaviours will be better. So this very important chain reaction.

“What I think about, is what is happening because if today my players were thinking we were going to lose because we lost one player, probably they had lost. It’s important what we think because we will organize ourselves, and probably at the right moment we can reach a goal and win the game", he added.

“That will probably leave more comfortable emotions, and they’ll probably be calmer and help each other more. So being in the right emotions so that you also focus on what you have to do in each moment on the pitch.“So the chain of reaction is very important and it’s something that we speak a lot [about]. That’s why sometimes I need to make them calm, make them focus so that we can go back to our way of playing because basically, the team is not where I would like to be.

“Today was a third match in a row in a short period of time and usually it’s not the second one where you feel the level of fatigue, it’s usually the third one."

Miguel Cardoso has made an immediate impact, guiding Sundowns to three wins in three games. Under his leadership, the team has demonstrated resilience and composure, qualities needed to stay at the top of the log. A victory against Richards Bay would mark a perfect conclusion to the year for the Masandawana family. It would also extend their lead, solidifying their dominance in the league. For Cardoso, this success would symbolize a strong start to his tenure, showing his ability to blend style with results.

Cardoso’s next challenge is an away clash against Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Sundowns will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak under his guidance.

Victory would not only extend their lead but also assert their dominance over the Natal Rich Boys.

Cardoso will focus on keeping his team mentally composed while navigating the fatigue of the congested schedule.

The coach’s tactical adaptability and emphasis on emotional management will be key to another successful performance.