Cardoso Defends Sundowns After Goalless Draw Against Chiefs

image: SABC Sport

by Lwandiso Simanga 

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed frustration at what he believes is unfair criticism of his team following their goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium. The result left Sundowns in third place on the table with eight points from four matches.

Speaking to the media after the match, Cardoso defended his players’ performance, insisting that they were being judged by a harsher standard compared to other clubs. He noted that Sundowns have already drawn against Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, two of the strongest teams in the league, and emphasised that these were not weak opponents.

“We drew twice with Orlando Pirates, and we have drawn with Kaizer Chiefs, who were in first position on the table. I do not see us drawing against teams from the lower divisions. These are big games, and the opponents deserve respect,” Cardoso explained.

The Portuguese coach reminded critics that Orlando Pirates reached the CAF Champions League semi-finals last year, underlining that Sundowns managed to avoid defeat against them on both occasions. He also highlighted that his team had opportunities to control the match against Chiefs, despite playing away in front of 60 000 fans.

Cardoso questioned why his team is expected to win every game, while other clubs are not subjected to the same scrutiny. “Why am I obliged to win every match and be charged for it, while others can draw without being judged the same way?” he asked.

Sundowns, widely regarded as one of the strongest teams in South African football, continue to face high expectations domestically and in continental competitions. However, Cardoso maintains that respect should also be given to the quality of their opponents, particularly when results are earned against top teams such as Chiefs and Pirates.