Tashreeq Matthews of Mamelodi Sundowns got on the scoresheet as they Justice Figuareido's Chippa United 4-1 in the Betway Premiership on Friday night.
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Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has refused to get carried away by his side’s emphatic victory over Chippa United, insisting the focus remains firmly on consistency in the race for the Betway Premiership title.
The defending champions produced a commanding performance at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, running out 4-1 winners courtesy of goals from Marcelo Allende, Iqraam Rayners, Tashreeq Matthews and Brayan Leon Muniz.
The result saw Sundowns climb two points clear at the top of the standings, extending an impressive run of nine consecutive league victories as they chase a ninth successive league crown.
Yet, despite the growing momentum and a performance that also boosted their goal difference, Cardoso struck a measured tone post-match, warning against complacency at a critical stage of the season.
“It’s very important but not enough, we need to look forward and continue to collect (points) because if we sit on what we did, for sure we will not arrive where we need to arrive,” he said.
The Portuguese tactician was quick to downplay the significance of the scoreline itself, urging his players to prioritise results over margins.
“So, next match let’s try to go to Durban and make a job similar to the one we’ve been doing not worrying about how many (goals we scored), don’t even think about that because it just takes us to a spot, to a place that cannot give you nothing.”
With rivals Orlando Pirates still firmly in contention, Cardoso emphasised that the title race will be decided by consistency rather than isolated performances.
“I think that if we want to be champions we’ll have to make a good series of victories still on the matches that we have for sure.
“And there will not be space for many losses of points.”
That reality places added importance on every fixture in the run-in, with Sundowns now preparing for a demanding schedule that includes both domestic and continental commitments.
“So, we need to think about the next one and then we see. Next one will take us to this sequence of two matches and then stop for the Champions League.
“And then there will be three more matches on the month so let’s focus on Durban match and then we have to play Champions League.”
Sundowns will next travel to KwaZulu-Natal to face Durban City FC at the Chatsworth Stadium, a fixture that could prove pivotal in maintaining their advantage at the summit.
“There is no space to lose many points so we have to add more points to that sequence for sure,” Cardoso concluded.
As the title race intensifies, Sundowns’ message is clear — the job is far from done, and only sustained excellence will be enough to secure yet another league triumph.