Miguel Cardoso identifies key areas for improvement at Mamelodi Sundowns

The two forwards have struggled to reproduce the impressive numbers they recorded last season, raising questions about Sundowns' effectiveness in front of goal as they continue their pursuit of domestic and continental success.

Leon has managed just three goals and one assist in 13 appearances this season, while Rayners has contributed four goals and two assists in 10 matches.

Their current returns are below the standards they established last campaign, when León scored 15 goals and provided two assists in 26 appearances, while Rayners registered 16 goals and two assists in 36 outings.

Sundowns have also shown signs of frustration in front of goal in recent matches, including their 1-1 draw against Wiliete in the CAF Champions League and a narrow 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup last 16.

Cardoso, however, remains confident that his strikers will regain their form, pointing to Rayners' recent contribution against Richards Bay as evidence of his ability to deliver.

"I agree with you, it's not a lie that our strikers are a little bit off the mark," Cardoso said, as quoted by IOL.

"But I must remind you that in the last league match, when Iqraam played against Richards Bay, he scored twice.

"Iqraam didn't score against Gallants, but he's a player that consistently scores. Leon will for sure find the right mindset and stability to play without pressure. A player that plays with pressure doesn't have to score but fight a lot."

Meanwhile, Siyanda Ndlovu is gradually settling into life at Chloorkop following his arrival from Golden Arrows. The attacker recently scored the winner against Gallants, but Cardoso believes there are still areas of his game that require attention, particularly defensively.

"Siyanda is a player that can create a lot of possibilities in the match, but there are obviously a lot of things that he needs to improve in his game – defensively he still struggles," Cardoso added.

The Pretoria outfit sit at the top of the Betway Premiership standings with 26 points from ten matches, just one point ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have a game in hand.