Miguel Cardoso responds to critics who say he relies on a defensive style in his tactics!

Africa 02 November 2025 at 05:30

Hazem Mlhem

News Editor

01.11.25 FT South African Betway Premiership

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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Orlando Pirates

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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has issued a fierce rebuttal to those who label his tactical approach as overly defensive.

The criticism resurfaced following his team's 1-1 Betway Premiership draw with Orlando Pirates. Despite taking an early lead via Peter Shalulile, Sundowns conceded an equalizer from a spectacular strike by Camran Damsin, a surprising starter for Pirates.

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The failure to secure a victory led to renewed accusations about a defensive mindset, a notion Cardoso vehemently rejected. He pointed to his halftime team talk as proof of his winning mentality, stating he was "very hard" on his players regarding their mindset and attitude.

He revealed a specific expression was used throughout the build-up to the match: "Nobody kills an attitude." Cardoso recounted challenging his players at halftime, asking if the attitude they displayed after conceding the goal was truly the unbreakable one they had pledged to bring.

The Portuguese coach explicitly dismissed the defensive tag, calling it "bullsh*t" and asserting that his only mentality is to push his team relentlessly for victory.

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Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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South African Betway Premiership