Photo Credit - Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has admitted that he is not taking anything for granted in the team’s push to retain the Betway Premiership title.
The Brazilians moved 18 points clear at the top of the 16-team league table following their 2-0 win against AmaZulu and this was after their closest challengers Orlando Pirates dropped vital points in a 0-0 draw against Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone Stadium.
However, despite the huge gap, Cardoso insists Sundowns must do everything within their reach to protect the gap insisting anything can happen in the PSL.
“I don't take anything for granted in life. I have a big respect for myself and football,” Cardoso told the media as quoted by SowetanLive. “This championship will be tough because no one will give up from any side. And the advantage we have, we need to [protect] it as much as possible and we need to be as strong as possible.
“We need to prepare ourselves well. Any team can take points from anyone in this championship if you don't respect the game itself and give your best. So, there is still a long way to go. Let's focus on the next match. There will always be another one to prepare for and that's how I see things until the end.”
On forward Peter Shalulile notching his 100th goal in Sundowns colours to stay three behind Siyabonga Nomvethe in the Premier Soccer League's all-time leading scorers, Cardoso said: “This is what he has been doing all his life, scoring goals and today [Tuesday] we were not thinking of taking him out at the right moment and he made the goal.
“Also, he struggled a little bit with fatigue. It is normal, but he is a fighter. He is capable of scoring goals and he scored today. Now we need everyone together to focus on the next match; that's the most important thing.”
Sundowns have so far amassed 58 points while Pirates have 40 but they have played four matches less.
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