Cardoso only thinking about Stellenbosch

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso insists he is focusing on the task in front of him as his team prepare to face Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday, 22 April. Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2). Catch all the action live on SuperSport.

Current form:

Cardoso guided the Brazilians to the CAF Champions League final for the second time last weekend to match the feat achieved by Pitso Mosimane at Chloorkop.

Bafana Ba Style will now turn their attention back to domestic duties as they look to reclaim top spot in the league, having seen Orlando Pirates move to the summit with a 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows on 18 April.

Cardoso's side haven't played in the top flight since they beat Durban City 1-0 on 7 April to make it 10 wins on the spin, but they are now two points behind the Buccaneers albeit with two games in hand.

Masandawana are about to enter a hectic period which brings seven fixtures in the space of 25 days, but Cardoso is taking on the challenge one match at a time.

Meanwhile, Gavin Hunt has steadied the ship since replacing Steve Barker at the helm of the Maroons in January, losing just one of his opening nine matches and picking up 19 points out of a possible 30 in the process.

A 3-1 success against Sekhukhune United on 17 April took Hunt's side within three points of the top eight in ninth position.

But Stellies have found Sundowns a tough nut to crack in the league, losing their last five encounters and only coming out on top once gaining promotion in 2019 - a 3-0 triumph in Pretoria on 14 may 2022.

Masandawana, see you on Wednesday for #BetwayPrem action. 👆

⚽ Mamelodi Sundowns v Stellenbosch
🏆 Betway Premiership
📆 22 April
⏰ 19H30
🏟 Loftus Versfeld
📺 SS 202
🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://t.co/exlN4uZQbe and stand a chance to win a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT! 🚗… pic.twitter.com/WHdnw32PWy
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 20, 2026

What was said:

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso

"We're going to fight a lot to win for sure... a lot, a lot, until the last minute. We are very committed to that. Having [a] positive approach is very important.

"But look, what is in my head right now, let me tell you, it's Stellenbosch on Wednesday. That's in my head right now and nothing more. Tomorrow, I will think about Stellenbosch, there is no doubt.

"After Richards Bay, it's Polokwane (City), and after Polokwane, it's Polokwane. That's what we have to do. Seven games, 21 days, it's difficult, but we will do it."

Players to watch:

Mamelodi Sundowns - Brayan Leon has made a huge impact following his arrival from Independiente Medellin in January, scoring 10 goals in 19 appearances across all competitions. Five of those have come in the Betway Premiership, although the 25-year-old striker has only managed to find the back of the net once in his last seven outings, but he's been on fire in the CAF Champions League, scoring five in five.

Stellenbosch - Langelihle Phili has established himself as an important member in the first team under Hunt after being used more as an impact substitute by Barker. The 21-year-old winger has started every game of Hunt's tenure to date, but he's not been as prolific, scoring just twice in his last 10 games after bagging five goals in the first half of the season.

Special praise for a couple of standout performers 👏#HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/AMniMeKnyp
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 18, 2026