Mamelodi Sundowns Look for an Immediate Reply After Stellenbosch Draw
After dropping points for the first time in the 2024‑25 Betway Premiership season with a 1‑1 draw against Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso urged his side to bounce back quickly when they travel to Richards Bay on Sunday.
Match Recap: Sundowns vs Stellenbosch
The visitors took the lead in the first half through Katlego Ntsabeleng, who finished a swift counter‑attack after a well‑worked move from the midfield. Stellenbosch equalised late in the second half when Tshegofatso Mabasa converted a penalty rebound following a hand‑ball decision in the box.
The result left Sundowns with 58 points, one point behind Orlando Pirates in the league table. A win would have lifted them to 59 points and placed them clear at the summit.
“Pain is when you don’t win. Now we have to move on to the next step of finding joy in victory, which will not be easy either.”
Cardoso’s Message: Turning Pain into Motivation
Speaking to reporters after the draw, Cardoso emphasised the need to reset mentally and focus on the upcoming fixture.
- “We have to make it to Richards Bay, that’s all. Until then there will be a lot of silence. The noise when you don’t win is silence.”
- “There’s still a lot to play for. We just have to worry about the next game now.”
The coach’s remarks underline a common theme in elite sport: using setbacks as fuel for improved performance in the next match.
Looking Ahead: Trip to Richards Bay and Polokwane
Sundowns face Richards Bay FC on Sunday, followed by a midweek trip to Polokwane City. The congested schedule forms part of a six‑game run‑in that includes the CAF Champions League final.
Cardoso confirmed that player rotation will be a key strategy to keep the squad fresh and minimise injury risk.
“You must understand that we will travel to Richards Bay in two days to play. After the game we will travel to Polokwane… No one is able to play seven games in 21 days without getting injured.”
Managing Squad Rotation Amid International Call‑Ups
With several Sundowns players expected to receive Bafana Bafana call‑ups ahead of the June World Cup qualifiers, Cardoso highlighted the delicate balance between club duties and national team responsibilities.
On Wednesday, he rested Thapelo Morena and Keanu Cupido, both of whom featured heavily in the recent CAF Champions League matches, to manage their workload.
- Thapelo Morena – rested after 90 minutes of Champions League action.
- Keanu Cupido – given a break to avoid overuse.
The approach aims to preserve player fitness while still competing for domestic honours.
What Lies Ahead in the PSL Title Race
With the league entering its decisive phase, every point becomes critical. Sundowns’ next fixtures are:
- Sunday, 28 April – vs Richards Bay FC (away)
- Wednesday, 1 May – vs Polokwane City (away)
- Saturday, 4 May – vs AmaZulu (home)
- Wednesday, 8 May – CAF Champions League final (venue TBD)
Securing maximum points in the upcoming matches will be essential if Sundowns are to reclaim the top spot and maintain pressure on rivals such as Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United.
References
- KickOff.com. “Sundowns draw 1‑1 with Stellenbosch; Cardoso calls for quick rebound.” 24 April 2025.
- iDiski Times. “Miguel Cardoso rotates squad ahead of Richards Bay clash.” 24 April 2025.
- Premier Soccer League Official Standings, accessed 25 April 2025.
- CAF Champions League fixture list, 2025 edition.
