Miguel Cardoso waxes lyrical about Sundowns commitment in MTN8 final

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Cardoso praises Downs commitment in cup decider

Africa Today at 03:59

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Miguel Cardoso waxes lyrical about Sundowns commitment in MTN8 final

Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/ Gallo Images

10.10.26 FT MTN 8 Cup South Africa

Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has praised his charges for the commitment they showed in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates over the weekend.

The Brazilians ended their domestic cup drought with a 2-0 victory over the Buccaneers at Moses Mabhida Stadium, thanks to goals from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners.

Sundowns, as a result, put an end to Pirates' four-year monopoly in the MTN8, winning their second trophy of the 2026/27 campaign, having also clinched the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup before the international break.

Cardoso was impressed with the heart his team displayed on the pitch and the way they maintained their shape, keeping Abdeslam Ouaddou's men at bay and eventually doubling their lead.

“We knew that the beginning and the end of the match are very two strong points together with the set-pieces from Orlando Pirates, and we knew that we had to take the match for the last 20 to 25 minutes,” said the Downs mentor.

"It was a moment where we could also manage substitutions, bring energy and the team keeping organization. I think that was absolutely fantastic to see [from] the boys.

"They were committed with keeping the organization and helping as time passes by to double the energy and that commitment and the strength. I think this is obviously fantastic and very good for the coach to watch.

"You see the one goal difference but you see the team so committed and in such a flow that obviously things can happen in football. Last year we were failing in the second goal in several moments we played with Pirates.

"They came and scored in the last stages but today [Saturday] I think we were so warned and so committed that we were even able to create the second goal and four chances we could have scored.

The newly crowned MTN8 champions will now shift focus to the Betway Premiership, where they are set to tackle Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.