Despite going down to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in an enthralling Soweto Derby last weekend, which saw them fall eight points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, there is still a sense of belief in the Amakhosi dressing room that the race is not all lost as yet.
However, they now have to turn to the Nedbank Cup round of 16, in which they host First Division side Stellenbosch FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
Cardoso concedes that the points-gap is quite significant with just seven games remaining, but insists that Sundowns could still slip up having their commitments split across three different competitions.
“Our main focus will be on the Nedbank now. Eight points is quite a difference but it’s not over,” said Cardoso.
“Sundowns have CAF, Nedbank and the league to challenge for, and we’ll just take it one game at a time.
“We won’t allow ourselves to focus on the league for now, and once we go back to it we’ll give it our all.”
The 29-year-old centre-back, who has featured in all of Chiefs’ 23 league games thus far this season, also outlined what needs to happen in order for them to topple the Brazilians, while also retaining hopes of going all the way in the cup.
“For us to win the league we need Sundowns to lose two games and draw one, and we’ve got to win all seven of our remaining games, he added.
“For now the focus will be shifted to the Nedbank Cup, and hopefully we can go all the way through to the final.”