Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso believes Kaizer Chiefs will be right in the thick of the Betway Premiership title race alongside the Brazilians and Orlando Pirates this season.
Speaking after Sundowns’ 2-0 victory over top-flight newcomers Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night, the Portuguese tactician offered an honest assessment of how the early-season title picture is shaping up.
The Brazilians picked up maximum points against the KZN-based side with goals from Iqraam Rayners and Antonio Van Wyk. After brushing Milford aside, Masandawana pulled level on 13 points with table-topping Pirates, who stay ahead strictly on goal difference after five games played.
In assessing how the title race might unfold, Cardoso insisted Chiefs will be right in the mix alongside Mzansi’s top two. With Sundowns and Pirates balancing continental duties, the Portuguese coach feels Amakhosi are well-positioned to sustain a challenge and end their league title drought stretching back to 2015.
CARDOSO TIPS CHIEFS TO PUSH FOR THE LEAGUE TITLE
In the previous campaign, Pirates clinched the league title on the final day, with Sundowns and Chiefs finishing second and third respectively.
“I think we are going to enter the period of the season until December that will be completely different to what we have now,” Cardoso said.
“Both teams [Pirates and Sundowns] will have to play a lot during the week and play CAF Champions League [and Confed Cup] over the weekend, qualifying rounds, and let’s hope both teams can arrive in the group stages and play for something important; then we can see what’s going to happen [with league title race].
“The capacity to play a lot under stress and pressure, knowing that in the Champions League you play your best players; otherwise you don’t win. In other league games, you have to put other players and see if they can rise to the level that will speak for both teams.
“It’s too early, but probably a high level of competition from three teams. Also, Chiefs will be there for sure. Let’s see; it will be interesting to see.”
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