Mamelodi Sundowns FC manager Miguel Cardoso has identified domestic cup success as the next target for his trophy-winning side. The admission comes as the club faces a fight to reach the MTN8 final after a narrow first-leg semifinal defeat at home to Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Cardoso's tenure has delivered major honors, including the Betway Premiership title six months into his first season and the African Champions League crown last term. Yet domestic cup victories have eluded him. The club has had two unsuccessful Nedbank Cup campaigns and also participated in the Carling Knockout without silverware. This season's MTN8 challenge hit a hurdle with a 1-0 home loss in the first leg, where Sede Dion's first-half strike for Golden Arrows proved decisive.
What did Cardoso say about the cup drought?
Miguel Cardoso was candid about the gap in the team's achievements under his command. "Regarding (home) cup finals... Obviously, it’s something that we are missing," the coach stated. "It’s really not finals, but victories in domestic cups." He defended his players' effort after the recent loss, insisting the team fought until the final whistle. The focus now shifts entirely to the second leg in Umlazi, where Sundowns must overturn the one-goal deficit to advance.
How can Sundowns turn the tie around?
The task is clear but difficult. Cardoso has framed the return leg as a must-win European-style qualifier. "I just hope the team finds that spirit in the right way when we go and take the flight to Golden Arrows," he said. "And we can play the second leg at the level we need to be at." He acknowledged the challenge is tough but believes his squad has the 90 minutes required to change the outcome. The team's overall quality is not in doubt, having finished the 2025 Premier Soccer League season in second place with 68 points from 30 games, recording 20 wins, 8 draws, and just 2 losses.
What is the broader context for Sundowns this season?
Despite the cup setback, Mamelodi Sundowns FC remains a formidable force. Their final 2025 league standing saw them finish just one point behind champions Orlando Pirates. The team's attacking prowess was evident with 57 goals scored, while a tight defense conceded only 21, resulting in a commanding +36 goal difference. Their recent form pattern of Loss, Win, Draw, Win, Win shows resilience. Supporters can track the team's progress across all competitions on our dedicated standings and fixtures pages.
Where does the squad need to improve?
Converting domestic cup opportunities is the clear next step. While continental and league glory have been secured, consistency in knockout competitions like the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 is the final frontier. The squad, which you can view in detail on our squad page, possesses the depth and talent. The second leg against Golden Arrows presents an immediate chance to demonstrate the required knockout mentality. Cardoso will demand a performance reminiscent of their Champions League qualifying rounds to keep their hopes of a first domestic cup under his leadership alive. The MTN8 semifinal second leg is scheduled to be played in Umlazi.
