Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has challenged his side to make an early statement of intent as they prepare to kick off their Betway Premiership campaign against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Fresh off a record-extending eighth league title, Cardoso is urging the reigning champions to maintain the high standards that saw them finish 12 points clear of nearest rivals Orlando Pirates last season.
🟡 Sundowns Out to Continue Dominant Form
Sundowns made a strong start to their 2025/26 campaign last weekend, thrashing Richards Bay 4-0 in the MTN8 quarter-final, setting up a mouth-watering semi-final clash with Orlando Pirates.
They’ll be hoping to replicate last season’s electric league start, where they won their first four matches before a narrow 1-0 loss to Polokwane City in October — one of just three defeats in the entire campaign.
🔥 Head-to-Head: Sundowns vs Chippa
Sundowns have historically dominated this fixture:
- 7 consecutive wins over Chippa United
- 15 goals scored, just 1 conceded
- Back-to-back 3-0 victories home and away last season
Chippa, by contrast, struggled in the latter stages of the previous campaign, managing just one point from their final five matches to finish 11th, missing out on MTN8 qualification.
🗣️ Cardoso: “This Is Where It Begins”
Cardoso stressed the importance of consistency and mentality:
“Any club that aims to compete at the highest level must show respect for every opponent. The legacy of Sundowns demands consistency and a winning mentality,” he said.
“I told the players that making a statement in the first league game is vital. We know Chippa United have been preparing in Joburg, but it’s hard to predict what they’ll bring. Regardless, I wish their new coach a successful journey — just not at our expense this weekend.”
🔄 New Faces, Fresh Challenges
Chippa United begin a new chapter under head coach Sinethemba Badela, following a reshuffle that saw Thabo September exit the club. Badela takes over a side that started well last season but failed to maintain momentum.
One of Chippa’s key reinforcements is Goodman Mosele, returning on loan from Orlando Pirates. The 25-year-old midfielder, who previously made 22 appearances during a productive loan spell with the Chilli Boys, adds valuable top-flight experience.
Meanwhile, Sundowns’ new signing Fawaaz Basadien is one to watch. The 28-year-old left-back, signed from Stellenbosch, notched 3 goals and 5 assists in 25 games last season. However, competition is intense with Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, and Terrence Mashego all pushing for the same spot.
With both sides eager to set the tone for the season, all eyes will be on Port Elizabeth this weekend as the champions look to lay down a marker — and Chippa aim to cause an early upset under new leadership.
