Sundowns One Win From the Summit as Coach Praises Discipline and Structure
Mamelodi Sundowns head into their final match of 2025 with momentum, clarity — and the chance to finish the year at the top of the Betway Premiership table.
This follows a composed and tactically measured 0–0 draw away to MC Alger in the CAF Champions League, a performance head coach Miguel Cardoso believes reflects a team reaching full strategic maturity.
The point in Algeria lifts Bafana Ba Style to four points from their opening two group-stage fixtures, and with Orlando Pirates not involved in league duty this week due to Carling Knockout final preparations, Sundowns can move clear at the summit with victory over Siwelele at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Tuesday.
Cardoso: “We Controlled the Match”
Cardoso was full of praise for the discipline shown by his side in challenging North African conditions, describing the encounter as a high-level tactical contest.
“We did a wonderful job in Algeria, and the players must be congratulated because they controlled the match,”
said Cardoso. “The few moments MC Alger had came from our turnovers in the middle. Otherwise, we managed the game well.”
The coach emphasised that this was a match for purists — a showcase of structure, spacing and defensive cohesion.
“For people who appreciate the tactical side, it was a beautiful game. Two organised teams, high respect, and strong discipline from both sides.”
A Confident Push Toward 2026
Sundowns now turn their focus to the domestic front, where the stakes are clear: three points in Bloemfontein will send them into the new year as league leaders.
Cardoso believes his squad are primed to close out 2025 with authority.
“We had fantastic organisation, we pressed well, and we didn’t allow many entries into our box,”
he said. “Of course we wanted all three points, but we accept the one and prepare for what comes next.”
With tactical precision abroad and the title race heating up at home, Sundowns are positioning themselves as the team to beat heading into 2026.