- Mamelodi Sundowns claimed the MTN8 title on Saturday, beating Orlando Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium to collect their second trophy of the season
- Coach Miguel Cardoso immediately shifted focus to a Betway Premiership clash and a CAF Champions League qualifying tie just days after the final
- Seven more competitions remain on Sundowns' potential trophy list as the club targets one of the most decorated seasons in its history
Mamelodi Sundowns are two trophies into their season, but coach Miguel Cardoso has made clear that satisfaction is not yet on the agenda as the club eyes silverware across multiple competitions.
Goals from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners gave Sundowns a 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, ending the club's wait for that title since 2021. The win arrived less than a month after the Tshwane outfit defeated Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli 2-1 to lift the FIFA Africa-Asian-Pacific Cup, setting the stage for what could become an extraordinary campaign.
Seven competitions remain on Sundowns' potential trophy list for the 2026/27 season: the CAF Super Cup, FIFA Challenger Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League.
**Cardoso Keeps Squad Grounded**
Despite the double achievement, Cardoso was measured in his assessment after the MTN8 final, urging his players to resist complacency.
"It's not that you collect two medals in October that you should be happy," the Portuguese coach said. "Well, we should be happy of course, but we have to be humble enough to know that we have a match to respect in two days and the qualifying round of the CAF Champions League to be played next weekend."
Cardoso also flagged the Carling Knockout and other upcoming contests as tests that would demand continued focus and consistency from his squad.
**Busy Schedule Ahead**
Sundowns face Richards Bay in a Betway Premiership fixture at Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday before travelling to Angola to face Wiliete Sport Clube in the final qualifying round of the CAF Champions League, where they are defending champions following last season's continental triumph.
The FIFA competitions represent a chance to test the club against leading sides from other confederations, while domestic success in the league, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout would further reinforce their standing in South African football.
Squad depth, fitness management and consistency will be central to whether Sundowns can sustain their form across a fixture list that will intensify considerably in the months ahead.
Source: Briefly News
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