Marcelo Allende lauds Orlando Pirates for tough challenge & praises Miguel Cardoso for 'coming strong' when Masandawana 'needed confidence'

Mamelodi Sundowns successfully defended their Premier Soccer League title after their recent 3-0 win against Chippa United.

The victory ensured Masandawana had won their 23 league game, with the remaining four ending in three defeats and a draw.

It was a massive reward for the Brazilians who had failed to deliver in the domestic competitions - MTN8, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup.

Last season, Sundowns won the league with seven games to spare, with Orlando Pirates finishing a distant second.

However, in the almost-ending edition, Bucs pushed Masandawana to the wire.

Allende has now lauded the Soweto giants for their challenge, before lauding coach Miguel Cardoso for playing a critical role in ensuring the players gave their best to win their eighth Premier Soccer League crown in a row.

“It was a tough game, a tough season; I think we know Pirates are doing a good job. I say congratulations to my team, my technical team, and the fans," the Chilean said after winning the Man of the Match Award.

"This is for them and our families to enjoy. We have a lot of good players.

“[Cardoso] came in a tough moment for us, I think we lost the [Carling Knockout final] we needed confidence in Caf [Champions League," Allende continued regarding the Portuguese.

"He came in strong, he started strong, and I can only say thank you to the coach, the players, and all the staff.

“It’s the first [PSL title] for him, I want him to get more. We have another one [CAF Champions League final] in two weeks, so let’s enjoy this one and get ready for the next one," he concluded.

Sundowns will now be working hard, hoping to win their second star in the Caf Champions League outing when they play Pyramids in a two-legged final.

However, they have the PSL game against Magesi coming on Sunday, the same day the Brazilians will be handed the PSL trophy.