Miguel Cardoso Hits out Premier Soccer League Over the Way Mamelodi Sundowns Are Treated
- Miguel Cardoso shared his grievances concerning the Premier Soccer League as Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for the CAF Champions League
- The Betway Premiership defending champions are set to face Stade Malien in the first leg of their quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld on Friday
- The Portuguese manager is not happy ahead of the mouthwatering tie as he believes the Brazilians are being treated unfairly by the PSL
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed disappointment with the Premier Soccer League over how his team is being treated ahead of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal showdown with Stade Malien on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Source: Getty Images
The Brazilians are one of the contenders for the Betway Premiership this season, alongside Orlando Pirates, and are also still competing in the CAF Champions League.
The fixtures congestion is reportedly affecting Sundowns' chances of winning the two competitions, with Pirates being at an advantage as they are solely concentrated with Betway Premiership.
The Buccaneers won the MTN8 title at the beginning of the season and followed up with winning the Carling Knockout Cup and the unofficial Black Label Cup. They've been knocked out of the Nedbank Cup and now face the league squarely.
DON'T MISS IT: Stay Away From Fake News With Our Short, Free Fact-Checking Course. Join And Get Certified!
Why Cardoso is unhappy with PSL
Cardoso's criticism of the PSL comes from the club’s domestic match schedule, which had them facing Orbit College on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, just three days before their first-leg clash against the Malian side at Loftus Stadium in the quarter-final of the CAF Champions League.
The former Rio Ave mentor highlighted how other CAF Champions League teams are afforded sufficient time to prepare for their quarterfinal ties without having to juggle local league matches.
"Certainly, it seems some people are satisfied with the chaos because of the recent challenges we faced," the Portuguese tactician said during the CAF Champions League pre-match press conference.
"After a difficult night in Rustenburg two days ago, we had another tough night near Johannesburg yesterday, at least for those who want to read between the lines. But I want to share some facts that are worth noting."
Cardoso on Stade Malien preparations
Cardoso went on to narrate how Stade Malien had enough time to prepare for their Champions League quarter-final tie and how they would still face Marumo Gallants in the league in between their two-legged tie on the continent.
Source: Getty Images
"Sundowns played a match two days ago and will play again tomorrow, with just a three-day gap. Between the two legs of our quarterfinal, we are scheduled to face Marumo Gallants.
"If you compare us to the other seven clubs still in the Champions League, none of them has to play domestic games between their quarterfinal matches. Stade Malien had nine days to prepare and won’t play in between.
"Esperance got seven days, Al Ahly six, AS FAR six, Pyramids five, Berkane six, and Al Hilal a full twelve days—none of them have domestic fixtures in that period.
"I find it completely unfair what’s happening in South African football and how Sundowns are being handled. This is not normal—we genuinely feel mistreated."
Nigerian football legend calls out SA players
Briefly News earlier reported that a Nigerian football legend has criticised South African players for not taking up a new challenge by moving to Europe.
The Super Eagles legend acknowledged the Premier Soccer League for being one of the best leagues in Africa, but wants Bafana Bafana stars to leave their comfort zone.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
