Sundowns coach Cardoso hits back at ‘defensive coach’ claims after Pirates draw

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has dismissed claims that his side played defensively in their 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates, citing injuries to key players and emphasising his commitment to attacking football.

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso took strong exception to accusations of being a “defensive” coach following his team’s 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium over the weekend.

Rejecting the claims, Cardoso pointed to the absence of several key players through injury as a decisive factor in the match’s outcome.

“When you have Themba Zwane, Mothobi Mvala, Thapelo Morena, Miguel Reisinho, Teboho Mokoena, Divine Lunga, Kutlwano Lethlaku, Malibongwe Khoza, and you still have the kids studying for their exams, obviously the team is not on the same level,” he said, stressing the importance of experience and depth in his squad.

Cardoso was firm in his response to criticism, stating: “Despite what people say – you’re a defensive coach, that’s bulls***. It’s not true. We wanted to win the match.”

His determination was evident as he described how he challenged his players during the halftime interval. After conceding an equaliser, Cardoso urged his team to reset mentally, invoking his personal motto: “Nobody kills an attitude.”

“I was very hard on my players in terms of mindset and attitude,” he admitted. “It was a little bit of, ‘what is in your mind, guys?’ after you suffer (concede) a goal.”

He said he aimed to instil bravery in his squad, warning them against playing with fear. “Do you want to be brave, or do you want to feel fear? If you want to feel fear, you won’t play at the level you have to play – if you’re brave, you can go for the match.”

Despite the frustration of dropping points, Cardoso praised his players’ resilience and commitment under difficult circumstances.

“What I observed from my players was character. It was probably two of South Africa’s best teams on the pitch,” he said.

As Sundowns prepare for their midweek clash against TS Galaxy, Cardoso remains intent on galvanising his depleted squad and proving their quality despite the setbacks.

“But I don’t complain,” he added, reinforcing his belief in the strength and spirit of his available players. With such conviction driving the team, fans — including those who have begun to doubt him — will be watching closely to see how Sundowns respond in their next fixture.