Cardoso urges Downs to refocus

MAMELODI Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says they need to get their Betway Premiership title defence back on track after a disappointing result in their opening game.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Sundowns drew 1-1 with Chippa United in the opening match of their league campaign at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.

Despite dropping two points, it was a huge result for Chippa, who will want to build on the momentum throughout the course of the domestic campaign.

The same cannot be said for Sundowns. The result stung, as they were clear favourites for the game given their depth, experience, and title aspirations for the season.

Cardoso is not crying over spilled milk, though. He has urged his troops to turn their focus to their next league game at Loftus Versfeld against AmaZulu on Wednesday night (7.30pm).

"I think we have to take it match by match," Cardoso said. "Obviously, it's not ideal to start the championship with a draw.

"But two points dropped in the first match or the last one are still two points.

"We need to finish with more points than our opponents. So, let’s see the number of points that our opponents are going to get in this round. We have to fight in the next game.