Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has urged calm as his injury-hit side enters the AFCON break trailing Orlando Pirates in the Premiership race. Photo: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns ended their 2025 calendar year on another frustrating note as they failed to break down Siwelele FC, with the sides settling for a 1–1 draw in their Betway Premiership clash. It has become a recurring pattern this season, with the Brazilians struggling at times to produce the cutting edge they have long been known for.
They will now hope that the 2026 restart brings sharper execution and a return to their clinical best. Sundowns head into the festive season break in an unfamiliar position — chasing the pack rather than leading it, as has so often been the case in recent seasons.They currently trail log leaders Orlando Pirates by two points, and with the Buccaneers having played a game fewer, pressure continues to mount on Miguel Cardoso. Sundowns head into the festive season break in an unfamiliar position — chasing the pack rather than leading it, as has so often been the case in recent seasons.
They currently trail log leaders Orlando Pirates by two points, and with the Buccaneers having played a game fewer, pressure continues to mount on Miguel Cardoso. The coach now not only carries the weight of expectations in the CAF Champions League but must also ensure his side avoid further domestic setbacks.Cardoso expressed his frustration after his team failed to secure maximum points against a difficult Lehlohonolo Seema-coached side. The coach now not only carries the weight of expectations in the CAF Champions League but must also ensure his side avoid further domestic setbacks.
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Cardoso expressed his frustration after his team failed to secure maximum points against a difficult Lehlohonolo Seema-coached side. “These kinds of matches always have a story that is very easy to tell because there is a draw on the score,” Cardoso said, after the match.
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