Mamelodi Sundowns Aim for Quick Recovery After TS Galaxy Defeat

Mamelodi Sundowns will need to regroup quickly after their disappointing 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night. Despite the setback, coach Miguel Cardoso is confident his team will bounce back as they prepare for Sunday’s Nedbank Cup last-16 clash against Mpheni Home Defenders.

Sundowns had been in dominant form, thrashing Orlando Pirates 4-1 over the weekend. They were expected to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership table but found themselves frustrated by a resilient Galaxy side. Kamogelo Sebelebele’s goal on the stroke of halftime proved decisive, handing Sundowns only their second defeat of the season.

Cardoso Admits Fatigue Was a Factor

Speaking after the match, Cardoso acknowledged TS Galaxy’s physicality and counter-attacking threat but also pointed to his side’s exhaustion as a key factor in the defeat.

“The players gave everything today. It wasn’t about them not being on the limit—they simply couldn’t do more. Playing a fourth match in 72 hours is inhumane,” Cardoso said.

Sundowns dominated possession in the first half but struggled to find a breakthrough. Their momentum was disrupted when they conceded just before halftime.

“We controlled the match, but that goal was an emotional blow. We went into halftime expecting to be ahead, and suddenly we were chasing the game,” he added.

Looking Ahead to Nedbank Cup Clash

Despite the loss, Cardoso insists his team must shift their focus to the upcoming Nedbank Cup fixture.

“There’s only one thing to do now—look forward, recover, and prepare for the weekend. We weren’t the best team in the world after beating Pirates, and we’re not the worst now. We just need to manage the workload better,” he said.

Sundowns will now aim to put their league disappointment behind them and ensure they don’t slip up against lower-division opposition in the cup.

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