Miguel Cardoso warns that match overload could change the title race between Sundowns and Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso called for broader support for player Tashrik Matthews, asserting that the forward's mistakes should not overshadow his positive qualities, which have made him an important member of the 'Brazilians' squad.

Matthews took the field in the MTN8 match on Sunday after playing a key role in Sundowns' victory over AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday at Loftus Stadium, where he was named man of the match.

Nevertheless, the forward's relationship with Sundowns fans has not always been straightforward. He has experienced periods of fan disappointment, especially when missing scoring opportunities, despite demonstrating crucial moments since joining the club.

Cardoso believes that some of the criticism directed at Matthews has been excessive, and he wishes for attention to shift to how the 25-year-old player reacts when things do not go as expected.

Coach's View on Criticism

Cardoso stated: 'I also think that Tashrik is criticized too much, too much, because sometimes he wants to perform well. I know there was a goal in the World Cup that he could have scored, there was a goal in the final against Pyramids that he could have scored.'

The Sundowns coach referenced moments that continue to haunt Matthews, including missed chances at the FIFA 2026 World Cup with 'Bafana Bafana' and in the CAF Champions League final between Sundowns and 'Pyramids'. However, instead of dwelling on these misses, Cardoso believes Matthews' reaction to them speaks more about him.

He added: 'Yes, they were there, but the question is not whether he didn't score, but what he scores after setbacks, because today I accepted him and told him exactly that.' He emphasized: 'It doesn't matter what happens after a loss; what matters is how you react, that speaks about you, not the mistake you made.'

This message may be particularly relevant as Sundowns prepares for another demanding match schedule, and the MTN8 match on Sunday will provide Matthews with another opportunity to win over the fans.

Support Instead of Constant Criticism

Cardoso acknowledges that Matthews must improve and learn from his mistakes, but he believes this process requires support rather than continuous criticism. 'Mistakes must be avoided and, obviously, lessons must be learned from them, but how you show your character by continuing to play the way you need to in the match—that is how we should support our players.'

Thus, Matthews' task is not only to score goals. He also needs to maintain the confidence and personal qualities necessary to retain influence in the Sundowns team, which is competing for trophies on multiple fronts. After his last performance against AmaZulu, Cardoso is clearly determined for the forward to be judged by the full picture, not just by the chances he failed to convert.

Miguel Cardoso, the coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, stated that his team is being subjected to targeted attacks from referees in the form of yellow cards and suspensions, while their opponents, Orlando Pirates, receive more favorable treatment.

Cardoso condemned the criticism directed at the team before the MTN8 semi-final, the second match which will take place at Lamontville Golden Arrows on Sunday afternoon at King Zwelithini Stadium. He believes that Mamelodi Sundowns continues to improve over time.

Sundowns will face Arrows at 15:00, needing a win after a 1-0 defeat in the first match at Lucas Masterpiece Moriphe Stadium last Saturday. This loss intensified scrutiny on the team, especially given their instability at the start of the season.

Prior to this defeat, Sundowns had won three games and drawn one. This allowed them to secure first place in the Betway Premiership table alongside champions Orlando Pirates and advance to the MTN8 semi-finals after defeating Polokwane City in the quarter-finals.

Despite victories and an aggressive attack, the team was still criticized for goals conceded, particularly from set pieces. Their weak defense continued to show problems, as they conceded 5-2 against AmaZulu in Loftus on Wednesday, both to Arrows and in the league.

Despite the win and powerful attack, Sundowns continued to be analyzed due to the goals conceded. Knowing they still have a chance to improve their play against Arrows in Durban, Cardoso considers the criticism of the team unfair.

“The team will grow steadily,” Cardoso stated. “The more stability the team gains, the better it will become. The higher the quality, the better the team will be. Players and coaches are not bad after one match; they will constantly improve over time.”

Cardoso believes that the team has not shown its best level since the beginning of the current season and the previous one due to insufficient defensive protection from the referees. He even insisted that their arch-rivals received more protection than others.

“I am unhappy with seeing my players receiving so many yellow cards. It is worth noting that we have already received 15 yellow cards in six games,” Cardoso noted. “It is hard to understand how a team like Sundowns, which dominates matches—looking at ball possession and statistics—still receives so many yellow cards.”

He added: “Last season we had 53 yellow cards, and Pirates had 28. We had four red cards, and Pirates had zero. Yellow cards lead to suspensions as the season progresses. These suspensions affect us in the later stages of the season. I appeal to the referees: please pay attention to how my team is being targeted.”

“We hope this situation can be corrected. We want our players to play in matches until the end, just like the teams we compete against. The rules are the same for everyone.”

One of the Sundowns players whom Cardoso regretted the lack of referee protection for this season was Tebogo Mokokena. The Bafana Bafana international, who returned after the World Cup, sustained an injury in the first match of the season against Polokwane City.

Mokokena missed the next four Sundowns matches and returned to play during the thrashing victory over Usutu, scoring a goal from a set piece. Cardoso is pleased with the return of his defensive midfielder in full fitness, believing he will be a great asset in the future, starting with the match against Abafana Bes'tende on Sunday.

“When you have the best available players, the team, coaches, and players become stronger,” said Cardoso. “I don't need to talk about myself or the quality of Tebogo. He is a very stable player in the squad. He is an important player.”

“In midfield, unfortunately, we lost Jayden Adams, whom we should value. Therefore, when a pair is broken, and we lose both players who gave us stability throughout the season, any team will suffer and face difficulties.”

“We lost even more—in the central defensive zone, we lost Kian Kupido. We lost Bryan Leon, and he is gradually returning. So we need to support these guys. They intend to perform well. Support from everyone will be key to helping us find stability.”