Pitso Dladla demands more aggression from Goldens Arrows ahead of return match against Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has promised that his squad will put forth maximum effort to win the MTN8 tournament this season. The team aims to prove that its priorities are not limited only to the CAF Champions League and the Betway Premier League, and they are determined to end their unsuccessful run in MTN8 this year.

Sundowns are considered champions of African football, a status cemented after ending a ten-year drought in the continental tournament last season. This success followed a long dominance in the domestic league, where they secured eight consecutive titles up until the previous season.

However, their successes in the league and on the continent have led to the perception that they neglect other trophies, especially domestic honors. Their last triumph in MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup dates back to the 2021/22 season, when the team was jointly managed by Mangoba Mngkiti and Rulani Mokwena.

Recent Sundowns statistics in MTN8 have been closely scrutinized, given that the tournament offers a prize of 10 million rand, is the first award of the season, and provides an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the competition. Having only one victory in 18 appearances since rebranding in 2008, head coach Miguel Cardoso admitted that he posed a difficult question to his team: why do they seem to struggle in a competition that offers such great potential value?

Cardoso revealed that he asked this question to the players during the first match against Polokwane City, held at the MTN headquarters in Randburg before the first-round semi-final against Golden Arrows at the Lucas Masterpiece Morriepp stadium (at 15:00).

He noted: 'When there is a pattern—one win out of 18—that is not good. We need to understand if we are doing something that leads us to such a result, and if so, we need to change. This is the starting point. I will remind the guys of this as we prepare for the next match.'

Reflecting on his second campaign for the Wafa Wafa title, Cardoso emphasized that the team approaches the competition with full seriousness. He stated: 'The trophy hasn't been a constant guest in Chloorkop, but we value it. There is no reason to undermine the competition,' adding this despite the packed match schedule ahead.

He continued: 'Obviously, we must take into account that we play against AmaZulu on Wednesday. After the second match, we will have a mid-week game. Whatever lineup we field against Golden Arrows, it is not related to us not valuing the trophy, the sponsor, or the competition. We are just trying to manage the moment. We will field the players who we believe are in the best position to win the game. Our intention is to win the semi-final match and reach the final after the international break.'

Sundowns' attempt to conquer MTN8 promises to be challenging. They face a tough test from Arrows, who caused a major surprise by eliminating Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals under coach Pitso Dladla. Dladla is achieving his second cup trophy in different competitions after winning the Nedbank Cup with his former club, Durban City, at the end of last season.

Cardoso acknowledged: 'The respect I have for the players and coaches of Golden Arrows makes me believe that these two matches will be played to the last minute.' He concluded: 'That is how we know how to win: by showing great respect for the opponent, but more importantly, by having great respect for ourselves. We need to fight in the first match for the best possible result.'

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphele Mkhulise warned his teammates that they should expect a tough match against the fast-starting Kaizer Chiefs, which will take place at FNB Stadium on Saturday at 15:00.

The 'Brazilians' are entering the fixture with momentum after defeating TS Galaxy early in the Betway Premiership 2026/27 season. However, 'Amakhosi' demonstrated an even stronger start, winning their first two league matches and occupying the top spot in the standings.

This sets up an early clash between two teams expected to compete for domestic titles this season. Mkhulise believes that Sundowns must show their best level against the Chiefs, who have quickly found their rhythm under Fernando Da Cruz's guidance.

Mkhulise stated that they are ready to do everything possible as the game is a significant event, and fans should expect full commitment from the players on the field. The midfielder acknowledged Amakhosi's impressive start but emphasized that Sundowns are focused on their own game, not on the opponent's ranking position.

He noted that the match will be very difficult because the Chiefs are currently performing well in the league. 'They won their last two league matches, and I think they are in first place. So it will be a very difficult game,' he added.

Despite the meeting taking place early in the campaign, much is at stake. Chiefs aim to maintain their flawless record and solidify their top position, while Sundowns hope to build on their first-game success. For Mkhulise and his teammates, the task is to match the intensity of the Chiefs while imposing their own style in the confrontation. Since both teams are considered major contenders for the Betway Premiership title, the Saturday encounter could provide an early indication of how both sides are preparing for the upcoming season.