“We’ve got to bounce back,” Daniel Cardoso says ahead of Kaizer Chiefs’ match against SuperSport United at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening, 23 November (kick-off is at 19:30).

Amakhosi lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday. Some felt that Chiefs’ tactical formation was too defensive, but Cardoso has another opinion: “We play with three at the back, while both wing-backs continuously go forward, assisting in attack. I am not sure why people feel that is defensive, because it isn’t.”

The 28-year-old defender struggled with injuries last season, but Cardoso has been in fine form in recent times. He has started this season in two league matches and one cup clash. He has furthermore come on in two games this season.

“Last year was difficult,” admits the versatile footballer, who can play in a variety of positions, “but this season has been much better. I am feeling good.”

Chiefs are now in fifth position on the Absa Premiership log with 15 points from nine matches. SuperSport have one point more (also from nine games) and are in fourth position.

Matsatsantsa have a lot of former Glamour Boys in their squad, including Morgan Gould, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kingston Nkhatha and Keagan Ritchie. Their coach, Stuart Baxter, was in charge of Chiefs for three years, from 2012 to 2015.

“It won’t be an easy game against SuperSport,” concludes Cardoso. “However, as always, we will be looking for the three points. We owe this to our supporters, who are magnificent.”

Amakhosi host Matsatsantsa on at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday, 23 November 2016 (kick-off is at 19:30).

Tickets for this crucial encounter are selling at Computicket for R40.