Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his team are determined to change their record in the MTN8 as they prepare to face Golden Arrows in the semi-final first leg on Sunday.
Sundowns have won the competition only once since it adopted its current MTN8 branding, lifting the trophy in 2021. That record contrasts sharply with their dominance in the league, where they had secured eight successive titles before Orlando Pirates ended that run last season.
Cardoso believes Sundowns must find a different approach if they are to end their difficulties in the knockout tournament. The Portuguese coach revealed that he had asked his players to help identify how they could avoid repeating mistakes.
“When we played Polokwane in our first match, I told the players there was a pattern that was not good and asked what we could do differently to break it,” Cardoso told journalists at a press conference.
The first leg against Golden Arrows will take place at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. Sundowns will be seeking a positive result before the return fixture, with the winners advancing to the final after the international break.
Cardoso said selection would be based on the condition of his squad as Sundowns attempt to take control of the tie.
“Our intention is to play the next match with the players we feel are in the best condition. It’s our intention to go over this round so we can reach the final after the international break, and if we show capacity to win against Arrows, we will for sure try to fight for the trophy.”
The coach also stressed that Golden Arrows would be treated with full respect across both matches. Sundowns lost to Arrows in the league last season, a result Cardoso described as particularly difficult for his side.
“As much as it is a two-legged qualification, we understand that it is always difficult to play away against Golden Arrows. Last year, it was one of the tough matches and one of the most painful defeats.”
Sundowns’ preparations have also been affected by a serious injury to right-back Khuliso Mudau. Cardoso confirmed that Mudau will be sidelined for at least six months after suffering a torn Achilles in the team’s 2-0 victory on Wednesday.
The injury rules Mudau out for a significant part of the season and leaves Sundowns without one of their established defensive options as they pursue progress in the MTN8.
Sundowns’ only success in the competition under its current name came in 2021. Despite their sustained success in domestic league football, they have been unable to establish the same authority in the MTN8, making this semi-final another opportunity to address that poor record.