Miguel Cardoso: Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Apologises to Orlando Pirates Over Recent Comments

• Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso publicly apologised to Orlando Pirates after making an incorrect claim about their Nedbank Cup record
• Cardoso confused Milford with Casric Stars when arguing that PSL newcomers should not be underestimated after Sundowns' 2-0 midweek win
• The 54-year-old Portuguese tactician addressed the backlash following his team's 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows on Sunday

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso issued a public apology to Orlando Pirates on Sunday after incorrectly attributing a Nedbank Cup defeat to the wrong opponents during a post-match press conference.

Speaking after Sundowns' 2-1 Premier Soccer League victory over Golden Arrows, Cardoso acknowledged that he had wrongly stated Pirates lost to Milford in the Nedbank Cup. In fact, the Sea Robbers were beaten by Casric Stars, not Milford.

Cardoso Sets the Record Straight

The 54-year-old had originally made the claim while defending the quality of PSL newcomers, arguing that Masandawana's 2-0 midweek result against the newly promoted side should not be taken lightly. The incorrect statement drew swift criticism from Bucs supporters on social media.

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"Sometimes people have a tendency to judge because we say something… and unfortunately, last week I made a mistake; I said Orlando Pirates had lost (against Milford). It was a mistake on my side," Cardoso said. "I am sorry; it was not true. But indeed, Milford, they made a fantastic campaign last year."

Cardoso Appeals for Respect

Beyond the factual correction, the former Espérance coach used the moment to appeal for civility, noting that online criticism had extended beyond football and affected his family.

"I also have a good heart. I am part of a family. I have a huge boy who is a fantastic boy, huge in education, a 24-year-old boy, just about to finish a master's in engineering. I have a wife, papa and mama, and also, when things become personal, there is a family behind that is affected, and I think that is the respect that people need to have," he said.

Cardoso also expressed optimism about his relationship with South African football, adding: "Love will always unite us as much as the critics can try to tear us apart."

Sundowns' next fixture is scheduled for Wednesday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium against Siwelele FC.

Source: Briefly News