Mamelodi Sundowns once again showed the depth and resilience within their squad to secure a 3-1 win over Sekhukhune United at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
The result did not come easily, but it highlighted the strength of a team capable of finding solutions even when performances start slowly.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SUBSTITUTES DELIVER
The breakthrough moments arrived after changes from the bench, where debutant Monnapule Saleng and forward Iqraam Rayners injected urgency and attacking energy at a stage when the game still felt balanced.
Their influence ultimately helped Sundowns pull away, rewarding the coaching staff’s patience and belief in the squad’s depth.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso admitted afterwards that the team struggled to find rhythm early on, explaining that the occasion appeared to weigh on the players before they settled into the contest.
“I think the analysis is absolutely correct, I think we made quite a slow first half, probably the responsibility of the game was on the minds of the players,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.
“But we made a wonderful goal that brought relief in the first half.”
Cardoso revealed that the plan always included using fresh legs to change momentum, insisting the bench was prepared to make a difference when the opportunity arrived.
“I’m happy that it happened and I think today’s match is also a lesson for ourselves. These kind of matches you need to win them from the first minute and not let time pass by, but congratulations to the players for the effort they gave until the last minute,” he continued.
IQRAAM RAYNERS RETURN
The Portuguese coach reserved special praise for Rayners, whose recent difficult spell made his contribution particularly meaningful.
“Iqraam had a not so good moment, we all know, he knows, but he knows we trust and trust is shown in the right moment,” Cardoso added.
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“So, instead we stick together, we knew the right moment would appear and he had to be ready. I’m so happy for the team and him also.
“For Saleng that comes in such a difficult moment and for everybody of course,” the former Esperance coach added.
For Sundowns, the victory was another reminder that success across a long season often depends not only on starters but on players ready to seize their moment when called upon.
