Cardoso Reflects on Title Defense Challenges

Miguel Cardoso, head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, identified key factors he believes hampered the team’s Betway Premiership title defense. The Brazilians’ championship hopes suffered a significant setback on May 9, 2026, following a surprising 3-2 defeat against TS Galaxy. This result left Sundowns’ fate hanging in the balance, as they now required Orlando Pirates to drop points in their final two matches against Durban City and Orbit College.

Following the loss to TS Galaxy, Cardoso suggested that a demanding and congested schedule throughout the season had finally affected his squad’s performance. "Let’s see what’s gonna happen, but it’s tough because I really wanted to be on that position [top]," he told SuperSport TV. "As I said before, I am gonna repeat, it was the calendar that beat us because we made 11 victories in a row since January. After we played Esperance, we drew twice and lost today.

"Therefore, it’s important that the fans honestly assess the work of the boys. They can criticize the coach, it’s not a problem for me; I have big shoulders. But I know the fans will be on our side during the weekend. That’s what we need—as their support matters. These boys have worked very hard all season.

"We lost two times on penalties in two cups, and we lost in the Nedbank Cup when we had to rotate players. Otherwise, we might not be in the Champions League final. So I understand it’s hard for them [the fans].

"I completely understand, but let’s look at the big picture and conduct a proper analysis when everything concludes."