Mohlala Slams Cardoso for Snubbing Zwane in Sundowns' Loss to Pyramids in CAFCL final

• Former Bafana Bafana defender Lovers Mohlala has criticized Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso for leaving star playmaker Themba Zwane out of the starting line-up in the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC
• Sundowns were unable to secure a double this season, having already won the Betway Premiership for the eighth time, but they fell short in the continental competition
• Fans also shared their thoughts on Mohlala's views about Mshishi's snub by Cardoso in the CAF Champions League final on social media

Former Bafana Bafana defender Lovers Mohlala has criticized Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso for leaving South African playmaker Themba Zwane out of the starting line-up, and not even bringing him off the bench, during their CAF Champions League final defeat to Pyramids FC.

The Premier Soccer League side failed to make it a season double after winning the Betway Premiership for the eighth time this campaign.

Zwane who is fondly known as Mshishi recently returned from a long-term injury but could only feature in the semi-final clash against Al Ahly.

Mohlala slams Cardoso for snubbing Zwane in CAFCL final

In an interview with iDiskiTimes, Mohlala claimed he knew it would be difficult for Sundowns to get a good result in the final when he didn't see Zwane in the starting line-up.

“I knew there would be trouble the moment I saw the starting line-up without Mshishi,” Mohlala told iDiski Times.

“What shocked me the most is that Cardoso didn’t even bring him on when the team was clearly struggling. We all saw the influence Themba had in the semi-final against Al Ahly, how did the coach miss that?

“I feel for the supporters who were in tears after the loss. I felt that same pain. That game was ours to win, if only the coach had made the right call.”

Cardoso later defended his decision, saying Zwane is one of many quality players in the squad, but Mohlala wasn’t buying it.

“Themba is a god of football,” the former defender said passionately.

“He’s the reason I watch Sundowns. Ask any South African, he’s the best we have right now. He could’ve made a massive difference in that final. He reminds me of the late Shoes Moshoeu, a player who could change the game with just one pass.”

Fans react to Mohlala thoughts on Zwane's snub

Captain.Brown said:

"Sundowns haven't won CCL since 2016. Is he suggesting that Zwane was not playing in those loses since? It's not like he is in his prime now."

Chainah.cingo implied:

"Kutheni savuka yilento salala iseyilento inye. It's done now. Can we move on unless there is an underlining agenda."

Obi-Wan-Kenobi wrote:

"These Themba Zwane comments are reactionary. If Matthews puts the ball either side of the keeper, nobody even remembers Zwane. Flemming Berg and Cardoso get statues outside Loftus and their own songs. Fine margins."

kruder69 reacted:

"Black players won’t turn into top coaches! Playing away you need goals fast n pressing game and covering the back which Themba can’t do. 2 nil down means you can’t throw him in but need strikers which he introduced. Strategically Cardoso did no wrong."

sporo.for7 commented:

"Cardoso record is poor, in other places where he worked he could not finish 7 games & was sacked. His performance averages under 44%. How did we appointed him? Seemingly we have management who take orders from Flemming Berg blindly. Not scrutinizing info, the same with players."

DeeDavisto added:

"The legends of this Mamelodi Sundowns team have spoken against this plumber CARDOSO who we've always spoken against. If Sundowns wants to lose it's dignity from across the continent and even in PSL let them keep this fisherman,I mean Pyramids ws very weak to beat Sundowns."

Prod. KH Wave shared:

"Downs legends were silent for 8 years when the club fell short in the CAFCL. You now realize that they are biased cause Pitso & Rhulani were coaches and they are their favorites that feared them so hard. Bring back Pitso & he doesn't make a final,you won't hear/see any ex-player."

Oom: 🥸 responded:

"That coach doesn’t learn , after that narrow escape against Al Ahly I thought he was gonna a serious reflection and study Pyramids well. Even after Sundowns struggled in the first leg he still approached the second leg in the same way."

Cardoso explains why Sundowns lost in CAFCL final

Briefly News also reported that Cardoso reflected on Sundowns defeat in the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC.

The former Rio Ave manager also believes the Brazilians would be back in the final next season.

Source: Briefly News