You would think a 3-0 win in a CAF Champions League quarter-final would bring a sense of relief. Maybe even a little celebration.
But at Mamelodi Sundowns, it is quite the opposite.
The Brazilians might be sitting comfortably after their first-leg victory at Loftus, but inside the camp, the mood is calm, focused and very serious. Coach Miguel Cardoso is making sure of that.
Read more: Sundowns surge ahead in Champions League quarterfinal after dominant Loftus win
It Is Not Over Until It Is Over
Cardoso is not letting his players get carried away. For him, football has a way of surprising everyone when you least expect it.
He has reminded the squad that big comebacks happen all the time in football. A strong first-leg result means nothing if the second leg is not handled properly.
That is the kind of thinking that has helped Sundowns stay one of the most consistent teams on the continent.
Read more: SABC Sport to broadcast historic Mamelodi Sundowns vs RB Leipzig clash in Pretoria
Staying Sharp Is Everything
In South African football, fans know that no game is ever guaranteed. Whether it is CAF Champions League nights or PSL clashes on a Sunday afternoon, anything can change in 90 minutes.
Cardoso wants his players to approach the next match like the score is still 0-0. No shortcuts, no switching off, no assumptions.
That kind of discipline is what separates champions from the rest.
The League Race Is Just As Tight
It is not only about CAF. Back home, Sundowns are leading the Betway Premiership, but only by a small margin.
And in a league as competitive as the PSL, that lead can disappear quickly.
The coach knows that every team raises their game when they face Sundowns. It is part of being the team everyone wants to beat.
No Easy Games Ahead
With tricky fixtures coming up against Polokwane City and Durban City, there is no time to relax.
South African fans have seen it many times before. A so-called smaller team can turn into giant killers on their day. Sundowns cannot afford to take that risk.
Read more: Mamelodi Sundowns raise alarm over player welfare amid heavy fixture load
The Mindset That Keeps Sundowns On Top
If there is one thing Cardoso keeps repeating, it is the importance of giving 100 percent every single time.
Not 90 percent. Not even 99 percent.
For Sundowns, full commitment is non-negotiable. That is the standard that has kept them dominating both locally and on the continent.
And right now, as they prepare for a crucial trip to Mali, that mindset might be their biggest advantage.
Because for Sundowns, the job is far from finished.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
Source: SABC Sport
Featured Image Source: Masandawana on X
