As Mamelodi Sundowns raced 15 points clear at the top of the PSL Premiership table on Wednesday night, they sent a message to Kaizer Chiefs ahead of Saturday’s crunch fixture at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Sundowns ran out comfortable 4-2 winners over a determined Sekhukhune United side at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.
The Brazilians’ goals were scored by Thapelo Morena, Lucas Suarez, Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Arthur Sales, while Sekhukhune replied through Katlego Otladisa and Keletso Makgalwa.
Sundowns oozed class from the opening whistle and as the game wound on, they allowed Sekhukhune occasionally back in the game because of a lack of concentration.
In the process, Sundowns raced to a record 51 points after 19 matches, but their Portuguese-born coach Miguel Cardoso felt the team was achieving against great odds.
“With this schedule, there is no respect for a human being, and I don’t know how it is possible to cope with it,” said Cardoso.
“I said it and will repeat this; it’s absolutely insane what’s happening to Sundowns. The schedule is insane, and it’s not normal.
“I think it (the fixture list) should be thought out and well-considered because I don’t know how it’s possible to play so many matches in such a short space of time.
“But we keep alive, we struggle and will continue pushing forward.”
Wednesday’s game was Sundowns’ eighth in February, and Cardoso felt his team managed to impose themselves at the start, which was highlighted by their opening goal in the 16th minute.
“It was a very difficult match, very difficult in the context of working hard for success. It was good that in the right moments, we scored and that gave us obviously an emotional advantage," said Cardoso.
“We started the game very well and then controlled the match. This allowed us to gain a good advantage.
“Anyway, it was difficult to react to the style that Sekhukhune played tonight. They just played long balls, long balls and were very aggressive.
“So, you always try to play football and build from the back. It’s quite a difficult task in this context. Anyway, great respect for my players. They did their best and obviously, they deserved to win.”