Mamelodi Sundowns ease pressure with Sekhukhune win ahead of Al Hilal showdown

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso cut a relieved figure after his side’s 2–0 Betway Premiership victory over Sekhukhune United, as attention now turns to Friday’s crucial Caf Champions League clash against Al Hilal.

The result saw the Brazilians open up a three-point cushion at the top of the league table over Orlando Pirates, as late goals from this season's arrivals Nuno Santos and Brayan Leon rescued Sundowns from what had looked set to be a frustrating goalless draw.

Sundowns’ campaign has been marked by fluctuating performances, a factor that has contributed to growing unrest within the club’s ranks. 

Tensions escalated following last week’s Champions League draw against Al Hilal, where sporting director Flemming Berg was confronted by a small group of supporters, underlining the pressure currently surrounding the club.

Victory over Babina Noko was therefore vital, offering some respite ahead of another defining continental test. 

However, with Champions League qualification into the next round a clear priority for Sundowns, Friday’s clash carries equal weight, particularly with both the Brazilians and Al Hilal locked on five points at the halfway stage of the group.

Reflecting on the league win, Cardoso reiterated just how tight this season’s title race is, with only six points separating fifth-placed Sekhukhune United from log leaders Sundowns, and still half the season to play.

“This game (Sekhukhune) was important, and we just need to remember that we are in a position where points are very narrow,” Cardoso commented after the match in Polokwane.

“We need to keep securing points in every match, and coming from a draw in the Champions League, where we played well but could not take advantage of the game, getting this victory today lifts the morale of the team and gives confidence and energy.

“I have said from the beginning that this season’s championship will go down to the wire, and it will be tough. That has to do with the reinforcements made by our opponents, as every year they fight to break the success that Sundowns have had.”

The Portuguese mentor stressed the importance of shutting out external distractions as his side juggles domestic and continental commitments during a demanding period of the season.

“We need to keep the doors of Chloorkop closed and focus on everyone inside so that we can counter what people from other clubs want to do to us. If we can be strong together, we will get through the difficult moments and have many more strong moments, like against Sekhukhune.

“We have a Champions League group stage to finish, and we want to progress in the competition. We also have a Nedbank Cup match coming up.

“This is the challenge that a Sundowns coach and players face. On Wednesday afternoon, we will travel to Rwanda, and that is why this match would have been much more comfortable if played in December rather than today. But we trust the players.”

The league match also marked the debut of former TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane, with Cardoso encouraged by the youngster’s performance in his first outing for the club.

“Ndamane is a young player, arriving at Sundowns and went on the pitch and had a match that was fantastic. It puts him in a good position regarding the expectations that people have when a new player plays for the first time, it's always good to have a good start.”