Miguel Cardoso coy over officiating in Arrows MTN8 comeback win

30.08.26 FT MTN 8 Cup South Africa

Lamontville Golden Arrows

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Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has refrained from commenting on the officiating in their dramatic MTN8 semi-final comeback win over Golden Arrows on Sunday afternoon.

The Brazilians became the first team in MTN8 history to overturn a first-leg deficit as they beat Abafana Bes'thende 3-2 at King Zwelithini Stadium, setting up a final against defending champions Orlando Pirates thanks to the away goal rule.

However, the match was somewhat marred by controversial refereeing decisions, with Khulumani Ndamane's goal mistakenly ruled out for a handball, while Grant Kekana was shown a straight red card which was swiftly overturned.

When pressed for comment over the officiating, Cardoso was tight-lipped, instead urging the media to delve deep into the refereeing concerns in the South African football landscape.

“I think most importantly than trying to get a headline from me, is yourselves [media] looking every week in all the matches, not just in Sundowns because sometimes people think people think I'm just speaking, no,” said the Downs mentor.

"When I speak about things is trying to get the best for South Africa and not for myself. Of course, I have to protect my club, my players and myself, I have a career I need to protect, and my players have careers they need to protect, my club has a status I need to protect.

The Portuguese tactician says his constant calling out of the PSL officials stems from his responsibility as a head coach to protect his players and provide them with a springboard to make the Bafana Bafana squad, amid coaching changes.

“And imagine for example, when I don't protect my players in a moment there's a change on the coach of the national team, it means that I'm not putting them on the standard they can be at to be called up for the national team,” Cardoso added.

"So, there's a lot of things at stake when I speak about my players, when I want my players to be respected and taken into consideration. But that is an attitude that the coach from Chiefs for sure has, the coach from Pirates also has, the coach from Golden Arrows also has.

"It's something we need to say than criticizing individual performance, I will not do it, it's not a moment for that and I don't want noise around us. I saluted the referee in the end and I said maybe there was a mistake but I'm sure that you tried to do your best, that's what I said. I also make mistakes and I try to do my best everyday.

The African champions swing back to action with a clash against newly promoted outfit Milford FC in the Betway Premiership under the lights at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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