Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has admitted his side let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers in the Betway Premiership title race.
After Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby, the door was wide open for Sundowns to climb to the top of the table — with a game still in hand.
But instead of seizing the moment, the Brazilians faltered yet again. A frustrating 0-0 stalemate against Richards Bay followed a midweek 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC.
The results have left Sundowns ruing what could have been a decisive swing in the title race.
“Obviously, it’s a missed opportunity,” Cardoso admitted. “It’s even more dramatic because we should have taken the opportunity and scored the points we needed to go ahead.”
The Portuguese tactician did not hide his frustration, especially after his side had been on a dominant run prior to this dip.
Sundowns had built momentum with a long winning streak, but suddenly, they have dropped four crucial points at a critical stage of the season.
Despite the setback, Cardoso remains defiant. With five matches left – including clashes against Polokwane, Chiefs, Siwelele and Galaxy – he believes the equation is simple: win everything.
“Look, there’s five matches to be played and two in a row with Polokwane and then we have Chiefs, after that it is have Siwelele and then we have Galaxy in the end.
“So, we have all the conditions to win all the matches, we just need to do it,” added Cardoso.
“Of course, we lost two opportunities, we lost four points in the last two matches after having ten or eleven victories in a row. It’s obviously not a performance that will allow us to take the championship if we don’t turn it around.”
Sundowns are back on it tomorrow evening when they visit Polokwane at Seshego Stadium.
As the Betway Premiership title race tightens, Sundowns still have their destiny in their own hands—but only if they rediscover their ruthless edge before it’s too late.