Star goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is set to recover from a minor injury to lead Mamelodi Sundowns against TS Galaxy. Photo: BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns continue to battle with a tight fixture schedule, but their fighting spirit is helping them over the line after sluggish starts in matches.
On Wednesday night, the Brazilians were rudely surprised by lowly Marumo Gallants, who led 1-0 at halftime at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Gallants are one point clear of the dreaded relegation zone, and managed the only first-half score against the run of play.
Nowadays, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso regularly deals with unfamiliar situations during matches as the team’s heavy workload takes its toll on the players.
During Wednesday’s halftime talk, Cardoso needed to play the role of a psychologist as he urged his players to deal with the 1-0 setback and mount a come-from-behind win, which eventually resulted in a 3-1 triumph.
The Sundowns goals came from Marcelo Allende, Player of the Match Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Iqraam Rayners.
“What I said to the boys at halftime was very simple and very clear: There was no, no way to change anything. Just keep going and going,” said Cardoso.
“I knew that the game could become emotional, and it was important to deal with that, as much as we could focus on what we wanted and what was best for the game.
“I think, after we scored our first goal, we lost ourselves a little bit because of that anxiety of trying to make the second goal.
“I also told them that the nail could be big, but the hammer would be stronger to put it in the wood. We were able to succeed, and we did it so completely to merit victory.”
Sundowns played last Sunday, and Tashreeq Matthews was red-carded. On Wednesday, goalkeeper Denis Onyango was also red-carded, and Cardoso feels his players are too easily cautioned.
Sundowns are relentless 😤⚡
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) February 19, 2025
Iqraam Rayners scores Masandawana's third 👇
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc @Betway_za pic.twitter.com/kMmvdqRYNX
“I think the red cards for Sundowns are becoming cheap. They are coming out very easy,” said Cardoso.
“In terms of dealing with another red card, the cards are becoming too easy to be given to our players.
“It has to do with teams against Sundowns, who always find moments to stop the game, to deal with moments where we are stronger, closer to scoring – and it happened again. It’s a way to manage the game. I can’t say anything.
“But in those moments, I never see yellow cards for (opposition) players wasting time.”
As a result of these back-to-back red cards, Onyango and Matthews will join Grant Kekana as non-starters for Saturday’s Premiership match against TS Galaxy at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville (5.45pm kick-off).
Man of the moment ⭐️🔥#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/W1qPYpnRTU
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) February 19, 2025
Just over 10 days ago, The Rockets caused a mighty upset by defeating the Brazilians 1-0.
Onyango enjoyed a rare start in the Gallants match because the club’s No 1 shot-stopper, Ronwen Williams, was nursing an injury.
However, Cardoso is confident that Williams would recover from his minor injury to be available to spearhead the team’s campaign to avenge their recent defeat to Galaxy on Saturday.
“I think the red cards affect us always, because you never know what happens in the next game,” said Cardoso.
“Ronwen is our first goalkeeper, and Denis has been on a good level today. I remember he made a wonderful save from a header that could have been very dangerous.
“I believe that Ronwen will have recovered from a small problem he had, and he will be able to play.
“Otherwise, we have Jody (February), Sanele (Tshabalala) and Reyaad Pieterse. For sure, someone will stand up if we need a goalkeeper.”
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