Cardoso faces tough Betway Premiership baptism

After getting off to a winning start in the CAF Champions League recently, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso will now take on Stellenbosch FC in his first Betway Premiership assignment at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Cardoso claimed a 1-0 win against Raja Casablanca in his first outing with the Tshwane giants this past weekend amid the club’s stuttering start to their CAF Champions League campaign.

While Downs got back to winning ways in Africa, the Brazilians have won each of their last three Betway Premiership encounters. As it stands, Sundowns lead the way at the top of the pile with 21 points to their name after eight matches played.

As for Stellenbosch, the Cape Winelands outfit go into their next fixture on the back of a 1-0 win against Desportivo Lunda-Sul in the CAF Confederations Cup on Sunday.

In the league, Steve Barker’s side are currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak and last recorded a morale boosting 1-0 win against Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium.

Their positive run of form in the Betway Premiership has seen them climb up to fourth position on the table, six points behind their upcoming opponents.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking on his side’s recent win in the CAF Confederations Cup, Barker expressed the importance of winning in tough conditions abroad.

"This win means so much to the players, the club, the fans and the people of South Africa," Barker said.

"It was an important victory, and we learnt that they (Lunda Sul) are a tough team."

"They showed today they have the qualities to be successful. But we will meet them again in the return fixture. We know we cannot underestimate them."

Cardoso on the other hand has urged his Downs outfit to improve in the upcoming fixtures, with the view of growing as a squad.

“We have to grow in certain details, but we have a strong commitment from everybody and that will help us to grow quicker.

“So a big congratulations to the boys, for how they worked, for the commitment from the way they put their energy on the game [against Raja], how they connected between themselves.

“That always pushes us to move a step forward.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Stellenbosch: Devin Titus – Now an indispensable player for Barker, Titus has been one of Stellies’ best players this season. Known for possessing high level creative qualities, Stellies will no doubt rely on his unique skill set to win the game against Downs.

Mamelodi Sundowns: Lucas Costa – Largely considered to be one of the best players in the country at the moment, the Brazilian attacker will be one to watch against the Cape Winelands team. Able to play in multiple positions across the attack line, the Stellies’ could well have their hands full on Wednesday night.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

2021/22 Mamelodi Sundowns 0-3 Stellenbosch FC

2022/23 Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Stellenbosch FC

2022/23 Stellenbosch FC 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

2023/24 Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 Stellenbosch FC

2023/24 Stellenbosch FC 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns