Miguel Cardoso Clarifies His Strong Message to Mamelodi Sundowns Fans

• Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso addressed a storm of backlash following remarks he made at the club's media day
• Cardoso's original comments about fans who 'speak too much and understand too little' drew significant anger from supporters
• The Portuguese coach used Wednesday's 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants to draw a clear line between critics and match-going supporters

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has moved to clarify remarks that ignited anger among sections of the club's fanbase, insisting his words were aimed at armchair critics rather than supporters who attend matches at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The controversy stemmed from comments Cardoso made during a club media day earlier in the week. "Unfortunately, at Sundowns, the fans, I think those who talk too much are the ones who don't really follow the team. They speak too much and understand too little," he said, drawing widespread criticism from supporters who felt targeted by the remarks.

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**Cardoso Separates Critics From Committed Supporters**

Speaking to SuperSport TV after Sundowns defeated Marumo Gallants 2-0 at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday, Cardoso addressed the fallout directly. "We just need the support of our fans," he said. "This week I spoke about that and maybe people didn't understand the message."

The Portuguese coach was emphatic that his frustration was not directed at those who fill the stands. "I didn't speak for the fans, I spoke for the ones that are usually very ready to complain. Because this level of support in the stadium is permanent," he explained. "And we never turn our back to them, the fans are our heart, the heart of the club is the fans."

Cardoso also used the occasion to rally behind his players, stressing that it is they who require backing from supporters, not the technical staff. "The coach doesn't need support, the players need support and I will always defend my players," he said. "They do their best, sometimes they play better, sometimes they don't play so good."

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**Record Run at Home Cited as Proof of Progress**

The coach pointed to a landmark achievement as evidence of what the squad has delivered under his stewardship. "31 matches without losing home matches, and this is what people need to remember," Cardoso said. "Since we are in the club we are beating record after record."

He urged everyone connected to the club to maintain perspective during difficult stretches of the season. "Let's continue to be humble, all together. Show the quality and fight for results match after match, that's what we have to do," he added.

The 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants provided Cardoso with timely breathing room as Sundowns look to sustain their dominance in South African football.

Source: Briefly News