Rotation the key for Downs ahead of Champions League final

MAMELODI Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has lauded the manner in which his troops showed their determination to wrap up the league title early.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Sundowns bagged their record-extending eighth Premiership crown in a row, and 15th overall in the PSL era, after beating Chippa United 3-0 on Wednesday night.

While their run looked easy on the eye, it needed Cardoso to be smart in his tactical approach as they have bigger fish to fry in continental football later this month.

Sundowns will face Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final over two legs, eager to return to the top of African football for the first time since 2016.

With that clash in mind - the first of which will take place at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria next Saturday — Cardoso rotated his players and resting others, while tapping in those who were in the fringes for their contributions as well.

The match-day troops aced their roles to the tee in their last five games as they’ve won all those encounters, and kept as many clean sheets and scored 14 goals in the process.