Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso admits this term will be one of the most competitive citing how Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have recruited.
Sundowns endured a slow start to the term drawing two of their opening five league matches though they have managed to claw their way back to the top of the Betway Premiership log with 25 points in 12 matches. Pirates also had a slow start losing their opening encounter but are now second on the table with 22 points with two games in hand.
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Cardoso Praises Pirates Depth
Chiefs on the other hand enjoyed a flying start registering positive results in their opening five games and are now placed third on equal points with the Buccaneers in 11 outings.
Cardoso reflected on the Soweto sides’ respective preseasons and the depth in their squads is showing in how they have been able to compete without some of their stars from the previous season.
“I said that the league will be tough,” said Cardoso said.
“What I mean is the competition has raised a level. You saw both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs making a very strong preseason, going abroad to find opponents, bringing the players as quick as possible, making a very strong market. You see this team of Pirates changing players and you don’t feel the difference.
“They can give the luxury to stay out with [Kamogelo] Sebelebele, and that has been one of the most important players on the team. And Rele [Relebohile Mofokeng] that last year was fighting for the best player of the league with Lucas Ribeiro and you don’t feel the difference because it’s clear that the depth of this squad is much bigger than it was in the recent past. That has to do with the market that was done in summer.
“And Kaizer Chiefs I say the same. You saw yesterday they won the game from the bench with the high-quality players entering and enforcing. [Gaston] Sirino now is going on the bench. So, it goes along with the question I received about South African football teams are raising their level. So, when the level raises is obvious that the things will be more equal.
“And as is clear, we didn’t start the season in the best way we should have started in terms of conditions that we have to start it. So, we have also to cope with that. So, when I spoke that I knew that that our beginning would be difficult. I think now and only now, we start to have conditions to grow this team to the level that we want to grow.”
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