Miguel Cardoso Responds to Favouritism Accusation at Mamelodi Sundowns

• Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has broken his silence concerning the favouritism claim levelled against him by the public
• The former Rio Ave manager dismissed every claim, while giving an example from their game against AmaZulu FC this season
• The Portuguese manager's comment sparked mixed reactions from Masandawana's fans on social media

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has pushed back strongly against suggestions that he plays favourites within his squad.

The Brazilians recently got a good result against Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership to throw the Betway Premiership title race open, while the Sea Robbers put the defeat behind them in their recent game against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby.

At the beginning of the campaign, the Brazilians added Portuguese pair Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho to their ranks, while in the January transfer window, they brought in the likes of Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates and Brayan Leon from South America.

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Cardoso on accusation of favouritism at Sundowns

Cardoso maintains that neither receives preferential treatment. He also dismissed talk that he leans towards South American imports or certain established South African players when selecting his starting XI.

Citing a recent fixture against AmaZulu FC, Cardoso noted that Reisinho did not make the matchday squad and watched from the stands, while Santos was introduced as a substitute. For him, that decision alone underlines that team selection is based purely on tactical demands and timing rather than personal bias.

He stressed that his approach is guided strictly by strategy, match context and player availability, not nationality, background or any other personal characteristic. According to Cardoso, every member of the squad is treated equally and evaluated on footballing merit.

Cardoso shares how he was trained

The Portuguese mentor added that he was trained to judge individuals as people first, without prejudice, and believes it is important for supporters to understand that principle. He acknowledged that rumours of special treatment circulate, but insists there are no favoured individuals in his dressing room.

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Using the AmaZulu match as an example, he reiterated that opportunities shift depending on circumstances, some players start, others contribute from the bench, and at times some are left out entirely. For Cardoso, selection is about responding to the demands of each moment, with roles rotating accordingly throughout the season.

Here is what fans are saying about Cardoso's response to favouritism claims on social media.

Kolobe Johannes Joe said:

"It's true, why Shalulile, but you keep fielding Matthew's though. Please leave with him."

Naledi Sennanyane shared:

"Stop with that Reinsinho .. Santos should play the second half, he's also lazy.. Matthews will keep promising he won't score. I'm happy you dropped the backpass and the sideways pass. He has improved since coming as a sub."

Bongivangeli Buthelezi wrote:

"Every single person in the world has favourites, every single one of us. It might not be favouritism due to nationality, but yeah, you have favourites. Case in point, Mathews, who gives the team absolutely nothing, yet starts every single match."

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Zanetemba Mthimbane Nxuba Nomkusane added:

"Let him go, please; he must also go with Mathews."

Cardoso speaks on the Soweto Derby

Briefly News also reported that Cardoso gave a surprise reaction when asked to share his thoughts on the first Soweto Derby of the season.

The Portuguese coach claimed he was not bothered about the game between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Source: Briefly News