Sundowns coach had just watched his side hammer Siwelele 7-4 in a chaotic Betway Premiership clash at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, but his focus quickly shifted away from the goals and onto what he believes are challenges facing his club.
Cardoso suggested Kabo Yellow were not receiving enough support ahead of one of the biggest matches in the club’s recent history as they prepare for the Champions League final.
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MAMELODI SUNDOWNS COACH MIGUEL CARDOSO MAKES ASFAR ALLEGATION
“We are in a very uncomfortable situation when you have to think that after that match in four days, we will be playing one of the most important games that can be played as a footballer or in a coach or a club’s life,” he told SuperSport TV after the game. “And we don’t feel any support for it.”
The Sundowns mentor then made a controversial allegation involving ASFAR and footage from Sundowns’ recent clash against Kaizer Chiefs.
“I can tell you one thing, people might not accept what I’m going to say but I know that ASFAR, on the following day we played against Kaizer Chiefs had a wide-angled video from our game… delivered,” he said.
“I know because someone saw. So we are fighting against a lot of things but we are strong enough to deal everything.”
The comments are likely to spark strong debate, especially with tensions already building ahead of the continental final.
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‘WE ARE FIGHTING LIKE BIG MEN’
Cardoso also compared this season to the previous campaign, insisting Sundowns have had to battle through far more obstacles this time around.
“Last year was a season completely different from this one – this season was a walk in the park for some of our opponents. We have been fighting like big, big men, with a lot of commitment, with a lot of will to overcome difficulties, and we will continue until the limit of our strengths,” he added.
Despite the pressure surrounding the club, Cardoso praised his players for maintaining their mentality during a demanding period in both domestic and continental football.
“I feel privileged to be here, to be coach of this team, this group of players that are very resilient and find energy when there’s nothing to gift – they are magnificent and I’m proud of that.”
Sundowns remain firmly in the Betway Premiership title race while also chasing continental glory, with Cardoso making it clear that his squad believes it can overcome every challenge standing in front of them.
