Miguel Cardoso weighs in on early Betway Premiership title race

02.09.26 FT South African Betway Premiership

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

2

:

Milford FC

0

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has weighed in on the early Betway Premiership title race after securing a 2-0 win over Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Brazilians piped the newly promoted outfit with goals from Iqraam Rayners and Antonio Van Wyk in either half, stretching their staunch home record to 32 league games unbeaten.

Sundowns, as a result, moved level on 13 points with defending champions and log leaders Orlando Pirates, setting the tone for a fierce title race with the 2026/27 campaign gathering steam.

Cardoso, however, believes it's still early to discuss the title race, stating the champions-elect will be identified when the fixtures start to become congested throughout the course of the term.

“I think that we're going to enter a period of the season until December that will be completely different from the one we have until now,” said the outspoken Sundowns boss.

"Both teams will have to play a lot during the week, they will have to play Champions League matches, the qualifiers, and then the group stages - let's hope both teams can arrive there and play for something more important.

"And then it will be when we're going to see what is going to happen because the capacity to play a lot under stress, under pressure, knowing that in the Champions League matches you have to put the best ones otherwise you don't win.

"And on the other games probably take out some of the best ones and let's see if the other ones raise for the level - that will speak for the teams. It's too early but probably high-level competition between the three teams, also Chiefs will be there for sure, and it will be interesting to see.

The African champions will swing back to action with a Betway Premiership clash against Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, in what will be a third meeting between the two teams in a space of two weeks.

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.

Related teams and leagues

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Milford FC

South African Betway Premiership