Nuno Santos believes Mamelodi Sundowns must remain clinical to exploit Orlando Pirates' recent stumble and reclaim the Premiership summit on Tuesday night. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Nuno Santos has called for efficiency from his teammates as the defending champions attempt to climb back to the top of the Betway Premiership table.
Sundowns welcome relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants to Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday (kick-off 7.30pm) with an opportunity to leapfrog league leaders Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers dropped valuable points at the weekend against Siwelele FC, leaving them just a point ahead of Sundowns while having played a game more.
That slip has handed the Brazilians a chance to regain control of the title race should they claim maximum points in Pretoria. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has already urged his players to remain fully focused ahead of the encounter, warning against complacency despite Gallants’ struggles near the bottom of the standings.
The Portuguese-born mentor has turned around the fortunes of his side in recent weeks, guiding them to seven consecutive wins in the league, the only side to have done so this season.
Goal difference currently keeps Gallants out of the relegation zone, meaning the visitors will arrive desperate for points as they fight to preserve their top-flight status. Santos, however, insists Sundowns cannot afford to underestimate any opponent and must approach the clash with the correct mentality.
“There’s no easy games in football, we have to approach that game with the right mentality and with the right intentions alongside focus for that game,” Santos said. “We will only have a good game if we impose our playing style and the most important thing is to get all three points.”
The Portuguese midfielder has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign since arriving at Chloorkop and has quickly become an influential figure in Sundowns’ midfield.
Santos believes the improvement in his performances is partly down to growing comfort within the squad and adapting to life in South African football.
“I’m enjoying my football, I’m enjoying training every day and I’m getting better,” he said.
“My teammates also help me a lot and I’m feeling more comfortable now than when I first arrived, but it’s a process and it’s normal because I’m getting used to the culture and playing here.”
The clash also arrives at a crucial stage of the campaign as the title race between Sundowns and Pirates continues to tighten with every passing week. Sundowns have built a reputation for finishing seasons strongly, particularly when the pressure begins to mount in the closing rounds.
For Santos and his teammates, the mission now is clear — maintain their momentum, take advantage of Pirates’ slip and ensure that Loftus once again becomes the stage where their title charge gathers pace.