Experienced Cardoso ready for 'big match' against Pirates

Sekhukhune United will host Orlando Pirates at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.

The home side head into the game in poor form, winning one in eight so far in the DStv Premiership. As a result, they sit 15th on the table while opponents, Pirates, are second on the log.    

Despite their opponents being overwhelming favourites, Sekhukhune defender Daniel Cardoso believes the international break came at a good time as it gave them the opportunity to improve and work on things they've struggled with.   

"The preparation has been well, the FIFA break has done us good and it gives us time to work on a few things," said Cardoso.  

The 33-year-old defender, who moved to Sekhukhune from Kaizer Chiefs in July, has blamed both his side's lack of cutting edge up front and their leaky defence for the poor form this season.   

"Our finishing has been a downfall for us because we've been dominating in most of our games and it's the final third where we've been struggling to get goals but hopefully that changes because we've done quite a few finishing drills during the break.  

"We are also leaking at the back, giving away goals from our own defensive errors so teams haven't worked for their goals against us."  

When asked about his opponents, he noted that Pirates are in good form. However, he has confidence in his side's ability to turn up against one of the 'big three' teams.   

"It's going to be an exciting game because Pirates are doing very well at the moment, they're on a high.  

"We don't want to get ahead of ourselves but when you come up against one of the big three in the country, your mood changes, it's a big match temperament.  

"I think we've got a few players like that such as the Sundowns game where you saw where we upped