Miguel Cardoso lauds Mamelodi Sundowns' 'quality' after masterminding fourth successive win at Richards Bay, but ex-FC Porto assistant manager insists Masandawana 'can do better'

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was full of praises for his team following an impressive win against struggling Richards Bay in a Premier Soccer League match.

Arthur Sales and Lucas Ribeiro Costa netted Masandawana's two goals to ensure that the defending PSL champions finish the year 2024 on a positive note.

While he was pleased with his team's performance, Cardoso also lamented the poor quality of the King Zwelithini Stadium's pitch, believing it posed challenges for his team. 

"Tough game, but I am happy with the result, the satisfaction of watching our fans happy, the work the players did, but very difficult conditions to play," Cardoso told SuperSport TV after the match.

"The pitch was very dry. There were many moments we wanted to play but difficult to play, but we had the attitude, the patience, the quality in certain moments to define the game, it’s important to do this, use moments.

"Obviously we can do better but praise the players for the efforts, the commitment, for the attitude and for the courage to keep on playing in very difficult conditions. We would like to be very aggressive the moment we lose the ball, to attack immediately. The question is, in the last three games we played in the championship, the teams don't hold the ball, they just want to kick it in the front," he explained.

"So it's very difficult, when you want to press, they are already putting the ball on the flanks or at the back of your defence. It's quite tricky, so we need also to understand how tricky the situations can be, and deal with them," added the Portuguese mentor.

"Don't be naïve, because when you're naïve, you will suffer goals from this kind of a game. Very difficult, we needed to be very active in the rest of the defense to balance the team and we did it and need to continue, in the right games we will be able to be strong to win the ball when we lose it."

A victory on the road saw Sundowns open a six-point gap on second-placed Orlando Pirates in the PSL table, although Downs have played two more matches than Bucs.

Cardoso remains unbeaten since taking charge of the Tshwane giants two weeks ago - having overseen four games across all competitions.

This win will enhance Masandawana's confidence as they return to the Caf Champions League action soon. 

Sundowns will strive to maintain their league winning streak as they seek to defend their title, with Pirates posing a significant threat this season.

For now, Cardoso and his team will be preparing for their eagerly awaited Caf Champions match against Raja Casablanca away from home on January 4.