Sundowns took full advantage of Orlando Pirates not being in action over the weekend, reclaiming first place with a performance that underlined their title credentials.

They dominated from the outset, surging into a two-goal lead before a defensive lapse allowed former Pirates attacker Sinoxolo Kwayiba to pull one back for Chippa before half-time.

Holding a slender advantage at the break, the Brazilians raised their intensity in the second half, pushing forward to extend their lead.

Cardoso's side utilised their squad depth effectively, with fresh legs helping them maintain control and secure a comfortable margin of victory.

"It was not an easy match, as I said before the match there's no PSL matches that are easy. The question is the boys understood the message, that goal before halftime of course brought a little bit of insecurity," Cardoso told SuperSport TV.

"But the message was well passed at halftime, how we needed to be committed and try to take the game in our hands, score the fourth goal that would finish the game and happy for them.

"The boys at the end of the day gave a lot. The starters also made a mission so look forward and there's another one already on Tuesday.

"I think we could've scored before, but we didn't and we had to push and continue push, continue push look obviously we have resources and we have resources on the bench. Players that were tired on the pitch so I had to also manage a little bit their conditions.

"Substitutions had to do with going for the goal, but also managing the conditions for the players that just played Bafana Bafana some of them - two matches. I'm very happy for having them on the team, I'm very happy."

The win was achieved despite recent international exertions, with several players having just returned from Bafana Bafana duty after featuring in two matches against Panama. Sundowns managed those minutes carefully, ensuring the squad remained balanced and energetic.

Innocent Maela backs Orlando Pirates' readiness to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title