Cardoso wants to see a better start against Gallants

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has stressed the importance of managing his players as they make a quick turnaround against Marumo Gallants at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday, 17 September.

Kick-off is at 7.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM:

Bafana ba Style returned to action after the international break with a 3-0 victory over Magesi in Pretoria on Sunday, 14 September which maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

The Brazilians went one point clear of Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs at the Betway Premiership summit, having played one game more than their early title rivals.

Cardoso's side have now won their last two matches after Amakhosi ended their perfect record in the league with a 0-0 draw in Johannesburg on 27 August.

Masandawana led at the break through Kutlwano Lethlaku's 22nd-minute opener against Dikwena tsa Meetse, who had Samuel Darpoh sent off on 42 minutes for a second yellow card.

But the Tshwane giants had to wait until the 66th minute to capitalise on the extra man, with Iqraam Rayners scoring the first of his two goals on the day.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa started the new campaign in a positive fashion after recording back-to-back 2-1 victories over Richards Bay and Orlando Pirates.

However, Alexandre Lafitte's side are winless in their last three outings, although a 1-1 draw with Polokwane City on 31 August arrested a run of two successive 1-0 defeats against AmaZulu and Stellenbosch.

Gallants find themselves in eighth position, level with Golden Arrows on seven points but above them on goal difference.

WHAT WAS SAID:

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso

"It was clear we were not satisfied but especially the players in the front. But the ones on the bench could not immediately enter, we had to manage so managing the team, players is very important.

"Sometimes we think about things we like to do but cannot do. We have to protect the players that we need to protect and use the ones with the time we can use them.

"But I think the result was done, of course we could've done the second [goal] earlier so that we could manage the game. The message at halftime was a little bit strong, but it had to be to wake-up and mission done."

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Marumo Gallants - Bheki Mabuza has already made a telling impact for Bahlabane Ba Ntwa following his arrival from Leruma United in July. The 22-year-old winger scored on his debut against the Natal Rich Boyz and broke the deadlock with a clinical finish from the edge of the box in the stalemate with Rise And Shine. He had the most touches on the ball (55) of the three attackers and the fourth highest in the team.

Mamelodi Sundowns - Iqraam Rayners underlined his value to the team with a second-half brace against Magesi, having opened his account for the season in the 2-0 win over Usuthu. The 29-year-old striker missed the trip to Dikwena tsa Meetse on 20 August and came on against former employers Stellenbosch in the second half, seeing Peter Shalulile find the back of the net in both games.

Head-to-Head: (Last Five Betway Premiership Matches)

Matches - 5

Gallants wins - 0

Sundowns wins - 4

Draws - 1