Thabiso Monyane: Kaizer Chiefs Star Blasts Miguel Cardoso After His Comments About Referee

• Miguel Cardoso has been slammed by a Kaizer Chiefs star after his comments on the official in their Betway Premiership fixture
• The Mamelodi Sundowns head coach was left frustrated by the referee's performance in the match, but the Amakhosi star is not having it
• The Glamour Boys star also explained the team's tactical approach against the defending champions at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium

Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabiso Monyane has fired back at Miguel Cardoso after the Mamelodi Sundowns head coach slammed the referee in charge of their 1-1 draw in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

The South African international hailed his fellow teammates and the technical bench for effectively carrying out their tactical approach against the defending champions at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The result means Amakhosi have once again influenced the title race, handing an advantage to their fellow Soweto-based club, Orlando Pirates.

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Kaizer Chiefs opened the scoring through Flavio da Silva before Bryan Leon restored parity for the hosts after the interval.

The encounter, however, was overshadowed by several crunching tackles from both teams. Sundowns centre-back Keanu Cupido had to be stretchered off following a collision involving Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu. Moments later, Chiefs attacker Mduduzi Shabalala was also forced off on a stretcher after a robust challenge from Jayden Adams.

Ndlovu escaped without a dismissal despite repeated fouls during the match. Adams, meanwhile, received his marching orders in the second half after picking up a second yellow card for simulation, although Sundowns still managed to hold on for a valuable point.

Monyane backs referee despite Cardoso criticism

Monyane, who was named the Man of the Match due to his performance, commented on the heated contest and praised referee Luxolo Badi for his handling of the game.

“Football is naturally physical, and that’s why referees are there,” Monyane said in an interview with SuperSport TV, as cited by iDiski Times

. “In my opinion, the referee managed the game properly, so credit must go to him.”

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His remarks differed sharply from the views of Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, who accused Chiefs of relying on overly aggressive tactics.

“The referee had the responsibility to control the match because this is not the type of football we want to see,” Cardoso said after the final whistle.

“The opening 20 minutes were more about fouls and physical battles than football itself. This is now the second game we’ve experienced like this.”

Chiefs defender explains tactical approach

The former Orlando Pirates full-back also revealed how Chiefs managed to limit Sundowns’ attacking threat, saying the team focused on restricting space and applying constant pressure.

“Our objective was to stop them from settling into their passing game because we know how dangerous they are on the ball,” Monyane explained.

“We pressed them aggressively and closed down the areas where they are most effective. I think the strategy worked perfectly, and we’re pleased to come away with another positive result.”

The two points dropped by Sundowns stopped them from extending their lead at the top of the log to five points, and they are just three points ahead of the Bucs, who have a game in hand and also a good goal difference of +7. Should the Sea Robbers maintain that advantage and win all their remaining fixtures, they could secure their first league title in 14 years, while also ending the Brazilians' dominance of winning the league eight seasons in a row.

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Cardoso slams ref after Kaizer Chiefs draw

Briefly News earlier reported that Cardoso hit out at the referee in charge of the Mamelodi Sundowns clash against Kaizer Chiefs in their Betway Premiership fixture against Kaizer Chiefs.

The Pretoria giants dropped two crucial points in the title race with Orlando Pirates, and the Portuguese tactician was not happy with the officiating at the end of the match.

Source: Briefly News