Miguel Cardoso on what the defeat by Orlando Pirates will force them to do in their next PSL match as title race becomes tight - 'We will play it like it’s the last one of our lives'

Orlando Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in a Premier Soccer League match at FNB Stadium on Sunday.

It was a result which left the Buccaneers trailing Masandawana by 15 points as they also enjoy four games in hand.

But after the loss to the Pirates, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso feels they have to put a gear up for their next league assignment.

“When we’re going to face our next championship match, we will play it like we’ve been doing," Cardoso said as per FARPost.

"Play it like it’s the last one of our lives. There’s no other way to do it than to fight for three points until the end. 

“I’m sure that both Pirates and Sundowns will still lose points because there are tough matches to play.

"Let’s hope we can minimise the losses as much as possible because it will be fantastic if we win all the matches until the end," added the Portuguese coach.

“That will give us what we want. If not, we will have to cope with the points of Pirates but this championship will be played until the end, for sure.” 

Masandawana are bidding for a record-extending eighth PSL title and that quest is facing a stern challenge from Pirates.

On the other hand, the Buccaneers are seeking to be crowned PSL champions for the first time since 2012.

That puts a lot at stake in this title race and could make the conclusion of the campaign a photo finish.

Masandawana go into the FIFA international break before returning to host Esperance in a Caf Champions League quarter-final match on April 1.

But the match Cardoso was referring to is the resumption of their PSL campaign by welcoming Stellenbosch at Loftus Versfeld on April 5 as Masandawana seek to cling on to their lead.