Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has opened up about the team's strategy in their recent match against Orlando Pirates, revealing a surprising decision that caught many off guard.
According to Cardoso, the team deliberately avoided playing out from the back, a tactic that has become synonymous with Sundowns' possession-based style of football.
In a post-match interview, Cardoso explained that the decision was a deliberate ploy to catch Pirates off guard and exploit their high-pressing game.
'We knew that Pirates would come at us with a high intensity, trying to win the ball back quickly and catch us on the counter,' Cardoso said.
'By not playing out from the back, we were able to bypass their press and launch quick counter-attacks that caught them off balance.'
Cardoso's plan clearly worked, as Sundowns ran out comfortable winners against their rivals.
The victory was a significant one for Sundowns, who are looking to regain their dominance in the league after a slow start to the season.
Cardoso's tactical acumen has been praised by fans and pundits alike, with many hailing him as a genius for outsmarting his opponents.
However, Cardoso remained humble in his assessment of the match, stating that the win was a result of the team's hard work and dedication.
'It was a great team effort, and I'm proud of the way the players executed the game plan,' he said.
As Sundowns look to build on their momentum, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Cardoso can continue to outmaneuver his opponents and lead the team to success.