Masandawana looked on course for victory after Katlego Ntsabeleng handed them a 1-0 lead, but the visitors struck late when Tshegofatso Mabasa converted from a rebound after a penalty to rescue a draw.

While Cardoso raised concerns over certain officiating decisions, he was clear that Sundowns should have done more to secure the result.

“I think there are a lot of traps on our way up until the end of the season,” said Cardoso.

“I also just saw the situation from Tashreeq Matthews and I think if there was VAR, he would not have been offside, that’s for sure.

“As soon as Ronwen saved the penalty, the flag was up and then it went down. I don’t have explanations for that. I don’t want to comment too much on that, I can only complain that we should have done more to score the second goal that would’ve taken us out of trouble.”

Despite the setback, Cardoso dismissed any suggestion of complacency within his squad, insisting that the title race remains firmly in their control, especially with a game in hand over log leaders Orlando Pirates.

He also addressed the demands of a packed schedule heading into the final stretch of the season, stressing that squad depth alone does not guarantee results.

The dropped points could prove costly as Sundowns continue their pursuit of yet another league title, with every match now carrying added significance in a tightly contested race.

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The Portuguese mentor faced mounting scrutiny during a difficult spell earlier in the season. Calls for his dismissal grew louder as some fans demanded the return of the club’s most decorated coach.

However, Cardoso has responded emphatically, guiding Masandawana to yet another CAF Champions League final following a 2-0 aggregate victory over Espérance de Tunis.

Pressure had intensified when Sundowns struggled to find consistency in the earlier stages of the competition. But their semi-final performance marked a turning point — both for the team and their coach.

Reflecting on the criticism, Cardoso remained composed and resolute.

“Those kinds of people don’t define my life,” he said.

“I draw energy from those who matter. You may say there were doubts about whether I would stay, but we always knew I would.

“Me, my assistant, the club, management, and the players — we were all aligned.”

The 54-year-old also highlighted his personal outlook, explaining how experience has helped him maintain perspective in high-pressure environments.

“I live in peace — real peace. I don’t depend on day-to-day results; I rely on what I have built over many years. My life is stable, and that allows me to enjoy it, which helps me focus on my work.”

Cardoso added that his time in South Africa has been a positive influence on both his personal and professional life.

“I live in a beautiful country with wonderful people. My family loves it here, and we try to create positive energy because that is important for success.”

With continental ambitions firmly on track, Sundowns now shift their attention to the Betway Premiership, where they face Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.

A win could see them reclaim top spot from Orlando Pirates, continuing a strong run that has helped Cardoso silence his critics.

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The incident, which quickly made rounds on social media, showed Mudau appearing to suggest a substitution after Sundowns were reduced to 10 men following Grant Kekana’s red card in Radès. It sparked debate, with some questioning whether the defender had overstepped his role.

Some felt that it was evidence that Cardoso was now being directed by the senior players in the team. But Cardoso has firmly dismissed that narrative.

Speaking ahead of the second leg at Loftus Stadium, the Sundowns coach described the moment as part of a healthy, collaborative environment within the team — not a breach of authority.

“As much as players understand the game on the pitch, the best a coach can do is be helped,”

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But head coach Miguel Cardoso insists the job is far from done as they still have another 90 minutes against the hard running Esperance de Tunis side next weekend.

A second-half strike from Bryan Leon in the 51st minute proved decisive, as the Brazilians held firm under pressure to secure a valuable first-leg advantage.

The result puts the Tshwane giants just 90 minutes away from reaching back-to-back finals.

However, Cardoso was quick to downplay any sense of completion, stressing that the tie remains wide open.

“The match was what we expected. We wanted to control possession and find spaces,” he said after the game.

Sundowns found their rhythm early in the first half, but the coach says their positioning fell short of expectations.

Tactical adjustments at the break proved key, as the team returned sharper and more purposeful.

“We corrected a few things in the second half, and the goal gave us an important emotional lift,” Cardoso explained.

The closing stages brought added tension when Grant Kekana was sent off with just minutes remaining, forcing Sundowns to dig deep defensively.

“It became more complicated after we lost Grant. We had to close up and protect what we had,” Cardoso added.

With the decisive second leg set for Loftus Stadium, the Sundowns mentor has already set the tone for what is expected.

“The attitude at home must be even stronger — more commitment, more discipline, more control,” he said.

Despite their advantage, Cardoso made it clear: Sundowns will not sit back.

“We have to play to win. If you don’t, the game becomes dangerous.”

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The two worked together at Mamelodi Sundowns and Jali says Mosimane liked media attention so much, and liked acting for the cameras.

Mosimane is know for his animated character on the sidelines on match days, but Jali says it was worse at training when it was media day.

PSL teams are obligated by law to have media days when they have a home game and that is when Mosimane would be someone different, according to Jali.

“We didn’t like it when the media would be coming at Sundowns,” said Jali on Arena Sports Show Podcast recently.

“Because he would exaggerate everything he does. Whatever he would do, he would be checking if the media people can see him.

“He would make wild gestures we didn’t understand just for their attention.

“Sometimes he would be shouting at you, but would be facing towards where the media people are, and you would be behind him.”

Jali and Mosimane worked well together and won many trophies between 2018 and 2022 when the coach left for Al Ahly in Egypt.

The former Bafana Bafana coach is currently without a club after numerous stints in North Africa and the Middle East in recent years.

Jali meanwhile had retired at 35, and is now going to focus more on his businesses outside of football.

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The Awards return as part of the A Night With Legends celebration

• Honouring icons across music, sport, arts, heritage, innovation, and community impact

• A Night With Legends 2025 unites generations in one unforgettable national celebration

Johannesburg – Monday 6 October 2025:

Bringing together South Africa’s cultural icons, sporting moments, and musical powerhouses for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration under the theme Generations United.

The stage is set for one of South Africa’s most anticipated cultural celebrations — A Night With Legends 2025: Generations United, returning to Vodacom World, Midrand, on Saturday, 1 November 2025.

This iconic event will once again bring together South Africa’s legends and rising stars for a day filled with music, sports, and national pride, anchored by the prestigious Legends Awards segment.

The Legends Awards — Celebrating South Africa’s Icons

The Legends Awards 2025 will honour South Africa’s greatest living legends whose work, creativity, and impact continue to shape the nation’s story.

Awards will be presented across ten categories:

• Music
• Sports
• Performing Arts
• Literature & Storytelling
• Heritage & Culture
• Innovation & Business
• Humanitarian & Social Impact
• Youth Inspiration
• Lifetime Achievement
• People’s Choice

These categories reflect the spirit of A Night With Legends, celebrating those who inspire unity, progress, and cultural excellence.

How to Nominate Your Legend

Nominations are now open to the public.

South Africans are encouraged to nominate individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their field — from community heroes and cultural icons to innovators, creatives, and social changemakers.

Send nominations to:

info@anightwithlegends.co.za

admin@anightwithlegends.co.za

awards@anightwithlegends.co.za

Deadline: All nominations close Tuesday, 15 October 2025 at midnight.

The Experience: A Full Day of Heritage, Music and Celebration

Live Match Screening (3PM)

The event begins with a live screening of the Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns match, broadcast on large screens to energise fans early in the day.

The Legends Awards Segment (5PM – 8PM)

Hosted in the main arena, the Legends Awards will take place before the concert celebration — offering audiences a meaningful and inspiring lead-up to the performances.

Concert Celebration (8PM – Late)

Following the awards, the night transforms into a world-class concert featuring South Africa’s most loved performers, including:

Somizi, Arthur Mafokate (celebrating 33 years in music), Kelly Khumalo, Vusi Nova, Nomfundo Moh, Blaq Diamond, Big Zulu, Kamo Mphela, Focalistic, Jaziel Brothers, Lady Du, Chomee, DJ Cleo, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Dino Bravo, Professor, DJ Owami, DJ AJ, and more surprise acts.

A Night With Legends: Generations United

A Night With Legends 2025 is a multi-layered national celebration that blends heritage, sport, awards, and music into one unified cultural experience.

> “The Legends Awards form part of the larger A Night With Legends celebration — honouring the individuals who built our creative and cultural foundations, while connecting generations through music and unity,” said the organisers.

Tickets

Tickets for the full A Night With Legends 2025 experience are available now through:

Computicket:

https://computicket.com/event/a-night-with-legends-2025/22aca742-f902-4af3-8275-386f07e3fe1a

Webtickets:

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1576256139

Connect and Share

Follow A Night With Legends for updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes moments:

X (Twitter): @NightWithLegend

Instagram: @anightwithlegends

Facebook: A Night With Legends

TikTok: @anightwithlegends

Like, share, and tag your friends to spread the celebration.

#ANightWithLegends #LegendsAwards

Media Enquiries and Nominations Contact

Lesego

grouppublicitysa@gmail.com

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Patrice Motsepe, the billionaire owner of Mamelodi Sundowns and president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is reportedly being lobbied by senior members of the African National Congress (ANC) to run for the party’s presidency at its December 2027 conference, positioning him as a potential candidate for South Africa’s next president in 2029.

According to sources cited by Rapport and Sunday World, ANC insiders see Motsepe’s business acumen, football leadership, and humble roots as assets to rejuvenate the party’s image amid declining voter support.

Motsepe, 63, has not publicly confirmed his candidacy but is said to be open to the idea. His success in transforming Mamelodi Sundowns into a continental powerhouse and his re-election as CAF president in March 2025 have bolstered his reputation as a capable leader.

However, some skepticism exists. Joining the ANC could be a misstep for Motsepe, suggesting he could run independently given his wealth and influence.

Critics view the ANC’s interest as a sign of desperation to regain voter trust. Motsepe’s ties to President Cyril Ramaphosa, his brother-in-law, and his business empire, including African Rainbow Minerals, add complexity to his potential political bid.

While the ANC succession race heats up, with figures like Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Fikile Mbalula also in contention, Motsepe’s political ambitions remain unconfirmed. His next steps could reshape South Africa’s political landscape.

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Goals from Tashreeq Matthews in the first half and Iqraam Rayners in the second half sealed the win for the defending champions at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night.

With this result, Sundowns now have 61 points from 24 matches, maintaining a 12-point lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates, who still have two games in hand.

Cape Town City, fighting to avoid relegation, remain in 15th place. While they are safe from automatic relegation due to another team’s expulsion, they may face the playoffs to retain their top-flight status unless they improve in their final two games.

Read here:Australians Head to the Polls Amid Concerns Over Living Costs and U.S. Influence

The match began with both sides showing attacking intent. City created early chances, with Jaedin Rhodes beating defenders but failing to find a teammate with his cross, which was safely collected by Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Sundowns responded with pressure of their own, notably through Teboho Mokoena, who forced a strong save from City’s keeper Darren Keet. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Matthews scored after being set up by Rayners.

The visitors dominated the second half, and their relentless attacks paid off when Rayners added the second goal in the 77th minute, assisted by Arthur Sales. It was Rayners’ twelfth goal of the season, placing him just one goal behind the club’s top scorer, Lucas Ribeiro.

City have now gathered only 23 points from 26 matches and are closely trailed by Richards Bay, Golden Arrows, and SuperSport United in the fight to avoid the relegation playoffs.

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Orlando Pirates are intensifying their efforts to secure the signature of Polokwane City’s star midfielder Oswin Appollis, aiming to outmaneuver rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in a heated transfer battle.

The 23-year-old Bafana Bafana international has emerged as one of the Betway Premiership’s brightest talents, drawing interest from South Africa’s footballing giants and even North African clubs like Esperance and MC Alger.

With the January transfer window closed and no deal finalized, speculation is rife that Pirates are positioning themselves to clinch Appollis before the next window opens, potentially in July 2025.

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Pirates have been in advanced talks with Polokwane, leveraging their strong relationship with the Limpopo club. A proposed deal includes midfielder Philip Ndlondlo as a makeweight to offset Polokwane’s valuation, estimated at R15 million for Appollis and teammate Thabang Matuludi combined.

This follows a failed attempt to include winger Katlego Otladisa, who has since joined Sekhukhune United on loan. “Pirates are pulling out all the stops,” a source told Soccer Laduma. “The Ndlondlo inclusion changes the dynamics, and a deal could be close.”

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Orlando Pirates’ dreams of lifting the 2024–25 Betway Premiership trophy took a heavy knock on April 30, as they slumped to a surprise 1-0 defeat against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium.

The result not only ended their impressive home run but also left them 12 points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who eased past Richards Bay FC with a 3-0 win on the same night.

A well-taken header by Tresor Tshibwabwa in the 57th minute rising highest to meet Keletso Makgalwa’s corner sealed the upset and exposed a recurring flaw in the Buccaneers’ setup, vulnerability at set pieces. It’s a weakness that has haunted them lately, most notably in their CAF Champions League semifinal exit just weeks earlier.

Pirates bossed possession and carved out chances, with Bandile Shandu fluffing an early opportunity and Relebohile Mofokeng coming close. But once again, their lack of clinical edge in front of goal proved costly. To compound matters, defender Nkosinathi Sibisi received a red card late in the match, ruling him out of the all-important Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

Now sitting on 48 points after 21 games, Pirates remain in second place, but Sundowns with 58 points from 23 have firmly taken control of the title race. Adding to the pressure, Sekhukhune United, tactically superb under Eric Tinkler, moved within two points of the Buccaneers and are now firmly in the hunt for a CAF Confederation Cup berth.

Fans didn’t hold back, flooding social media with criticism of the team’s mentality and coach Jose Riveiro’s lineup choices. Many questioned whether Pirates still have the grit needed to challenge at the top.

Despite the title challenge looking increasingly out of reach, the season is far from lost. With seven matches remaining including a must-win clash against Sundowns and the Nedbank Cup still on the table, Pirates have everything to play for. But if they hope to finish strong, fixing their defensive lapses and rediscovering their scoring touch will be non-negotiable.

The upcoming Soweto derby offers a shot at redemption and a chance to restore some pride in what’s quickly becoming a make-or-break stretch for the Buccaneers.

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