Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso Hits Back at Defensive Tag After Orlando Pirates Draw
- Miguel Cardoso has commented on his team being tagged defensive after the Mamelodi Sundowns clash against Orlando Pirates
- The former Esperance of Tunisia coach failed to guide the Brazilians past the Buccaneers at the Loftus Versfeld
- The Portuguese coach's submission was met with different reactions from fans on social media
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has dismissed suggestions that he is a defensive coach after the Orlando Pirates clash, insisting his team’s recent performance was commendable given that eight first-team players were unavailable for selection.
Source: Getty Images
Masandawana maintained their position at the top of the league table with a three-point lead, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The Sea Robbers, however, still have two games in hand.
Peter Shalulile opened the scoring for the Brazilians before South African youngster Cemran Dansin equalised with a strike before the halftime break. Cardoso noted that his team displayed great character in their efforts to push for victory in the second half.
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Cardoso hits back at defensive jibe
Cardoso dismissed suggestions that he is a defensive coach, insisting that his team always plays to win. He explained that during halftime, he strongly urged his players to show more determination and bravery, as he was not satisfied with their reaction after conceding a goal.
Cardoso said he challenged the players to choose between fear and courage, reminding them that only a brave mindset allows them to perform at their best. He praised the team for responding with courage and fighting hard in the second half.
Despite missing several key players such as Themba Zwane, Mothobi Mvala, Thapelo Morena, Miguel Reisinho, Teboho Mokoena, Divine Lunga, and Kutlwano, Cardoso said he was proud of the team’s character and fighting spirit. He acknowledged there is room for improvement, but emphasised that Sundowns showed resilience and quality against one of the best teams in South Africa.
Source: Getty Images
The Brazilians will now shift focus to their upcoming midweek clash against TS Galaxy at Loftus Versfeld.
Here is what fans are saying about Cardoso's comment on being tagged a defensive coach.
Manyhu Delani said:
"Sundowns never plays deffensive football, We always score first then deffend which means we gonna keep on playing to deffend 1goal.After that aint no plan B, It's seems We don't have a coach who suitable for Sundowns for now. We might need a Coach like Dan Dance Malisela."
Sim 'Hlubi' Bongwe wrote:
"I am one of the fans who have been advocating for his release. He is generally a defensive coach, but yesterday he was attacking. The problem was with the players yesterday. Seriously, the didn't know what to do with ball yesterday. Otherwise, there was no defence yesterday. Our players let us down."
Reabetswe Rhee-Given Segonyane shared:
"The obsession of champions league was always gonna catch up. It has proven, Cardoso manages to get to finals by this cautious approach. The only problem is that he does not have the same players that suit his European/North African style of play in sundowns players. The approach is clear, score in the first half and close shop. This is where the co-coaching thing comes to place, let Cardoso apply his nonsense approach in champions league and get another coach or even Steve to become a second coach for league games. With how things are going, sundowns will lose everything this season because even this approach struggles against team like pyramids that plays different from the likes of Al ahly and esperance. Teams like Young Africans will be a problem for Cardoso."
Kabo Roux Ndlambe commented:
"Defensive is defensive finish and klaar we are not blind."
Ditiro Seerane added:
"Motsepe must swallow his pride and bring back son of the soil Rhulani."
Cardoso comments on title race
Briefly News also reported that Cardoso aired his views on the Betway Premiership title race after dropping points against Pirates.
Sundowns are hoping to retain the league title and extend their reign as champions for another season.
Source: Briefly News
