Cardoso Hits at Critics, Walks Out of Interview After Sundowns Win Over Stellenbosch
- Miguel Cardoso has shared his thoughts on Mamelodi Sundowns' hard-fought win over Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership
- The Portuguese coach is not happy with the criticism him and his team have been facing since the start of this season
- The former Esperance of Tunisia mentor also reportedly walked off during the post-match TV interview
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has sent a strong message to his critics before abruptly walking off from his post-match TV interview.
The Portuguese tactician led Masandawana to a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, August 30, 2025, securing their third win in the Betway Premiership this season from five matches.
Source: Getty Images
Namibian striker Peter Shalulile scored the only goal of the match, breaking a Bafana Bafana legend's long-standing Premier Soccer League goalscoring record.
The win moved Sundowns to the top of the Betway Premiership league table, surpassing Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the weekend’s later fixtures.
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Cardoso has faced intense criticism after the Brazilians failed to start the season convincingly, including being knocked out by Orlando Pirates from the MTN8 and also failing to defeat Kaizer Chiefs. This season, Sundowns' best game remains their first match against Richards Bay in the MTN8.
Cardoso hits back at critics, walks out of interview
In an interview after the match, Cardoso hit back at his critics this season before abruptly ending the post-match interview. He first analysed how his team secured all three points against Steve Barker's Stellenbosch side.
“I think we should’ve scored more than one goal in the first half,” he told SuperSport TV. “We believed we still had the ability to press effectively and win the ball high up the pitch, but it had to be done the right way."
The former Nantes coach also explained why the team struggled to find their usual attacking connection and what he did to solve the issue.
“With Arthur unavailable, we struggled to establish our usual connection. We pushed Jaden a bit higher than usual to try and build those link-ups," he added. "As expected, Stellenbosch responded with emotion and intensity, but we managed to secure a fantastic result."
“It’s important to send a message of calm; this team needs peace and support. True Mamelodi Sundowns fans should stand behind the team."
Source: Getty Images
Cardoso then confidently pointed to where the defending champions are on the log, claiming they are in a good place despite the criticism.
“Just look at the table. After five matches, including away games at Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs, we remain unbeaten and continue to win. We’re in a very good place.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will return to action after the international break against Magesi FC with the hope of continuing their unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership.
Ex-Sundowns star joins Kaizer Chiefs
Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs signed an ex-Sundowns star to add more depth to their squad this season.
The South African international left the Brazilians in July, 2025, and he is Amakhosi's 10th signing this summer.
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Source: Briefly News
