Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso intensified his criticism of South African football after Orbit College refused to shift their Betway Premiership match. Sundowns wanted an earlier kickoff to prepare properly for their CAF Champions League quarterfinal, but the request failed. Cardoso believes this reflects a deeper problem in the local game.
PSL Fixture Decisions Under Fire
Cardoso argued that the PSL offers no meaningful support to clubs representing South Africa in CAF competitions. He compared the situation to France, where Ligue 1 postponed fixtures to help Paris Saint‑Germain prepare for European matches. He said Sundowns received only an option to play on a worse pitch, then face a Champions League quarterfinal two days later. Cardoso questioned how this benefits South African football.
‘We Carry the Flag for the Country’
The coach insisted that Sundowns represent the nation, not only the club. He referenced Portugal, where fans support Benfica, Sporting Braga, or Vitória Guimarães internationally, regardless of rivalry. Cardoso criticised the PSL environment, saying clubs act like enemies who prefer each other’s failure. He praised Orlando Pirates for last season’s CAF run and expressed disappointment at their early exit this year. He also wants Kaizer Chiefs competing strongly because it strengthens the league’s global profile.
A Call for Collective Vision
Cardoso revealed that the Portuguese FA invited him to speak at a major football congress. They asked him to describe South African football honestly, and he questioned whether the truth would shock them. He urged PSL clubs—from Stellenbosch, Sekhukhune, and TS Galaxy to Durban sides—to stop fighting each other and build a shared long‑term plan. He believes unity will elevate the league and create stronger clubs.
