Cardoso Prepared For Another Tough Mohafe Challenge
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is prepared for another tough battle against Phuti Mohafe. Image: Gallo Images
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is fully aware of the tough challenge that awaits him this evening, as he prepares to lead his side into a Betway Premiership clash against Marumo Gallants — and a familiar face in the opposing dugout.
Cardoso has had some interesting battles with Phuti Mohafe in the past, when the coach was at the helm of Polokwane City. Now in the hot seat at Gallants, Mohafe poses a threat to a Sundowns side still finding its feet early on in the season.
Gallants are also finding their feet under Mohafe, having managed a draw and a defeat in their two Betway Premiership matches so far. Sundowns, meanwhile, are yet to lose a match this season but have not kept a clean sheet, conceding five goals in three matches — a statistic that will concern the Portuguese tactician.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, Cardoso reflected on his previous encounters with Mohafe, praising the coach’s tactical approach while also calling for consistency in venue selection for big matches.
“First of all, Marumo had and has players that are very interesting. Second, it’s true, the coach in the past made life difficult for Sundowns. I also remember most of those matches were played in that second stadium in Polokwane. It was like a strategy to take Sundowns there to not allow the game to be played in the way it has to be played,” Cardoso said.
“That is something that I want to praise because when we played TS Galaxy, there was an appeal to change the game to a smaller stadium and the league didn’t allow that to happen. That is also a step forward. We just need to be consistent about that attitude. Good matches should be played on the best pitches. That’s how South Africa will develop.”
Cardoso ended with a message of determination, insisting that hard work — not hope — will be the key to overcoming Mohafe’s side.
“Good challenge to face the coach again. Let’s hope we can succeed. But more than hope, let’s work for it to happen because hope will bring nothing,” he added.
Sundowns could hand striker Cassius Mailula his first start since returning to the club, as Cardoso looks to sharpen his attacking options. The match kicks off at Loftus Stadium this evening.
Oct 13, 2026 06:25 PM
in Starting-XI-Previews
Oct 14, 2026 07:59 PM
in Carling-Knockout
Oct 15, 2026 08:41 PM
in Players Abroad
Oct 14, 2026 03:07 PM
in Kaizer-Chiefs
Oct 13, 2026 05:50 PM
in Starting-XI-Previews
May 06, 2026 12:45 PM
in Kaizer-Chiefs
May 06, 2026 12:31 PM
in SA-Players-Abroad
May 06, 2026 11:51 AM
in Mamelodi-Sundowns
May 06, 2026 10:26 AM
in African Football
May 06, 2026 01:05 PM
in Fan Park
Adverts keep Soccer Laduma free to read. Your ad blocker stops them. Please allow adverts on soccerladuma.co.za. You can still read without allowing them.