Miguel Cardoso takes dig at Appollis PSL award in Allende defense

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says he is puzzled that Marcelo Allende is yet to win the PSL Midfielder of the Season award despite consistent performances since his arrival at Chloorkop.

This comes after the 27-year-old midfield maestro was named man of the match in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final clash against Golden Arrows over the weekend, as he scored and provided an assist.

Notably, he also emerged as the standout player in the opening game of the MTN8 against Polokwane City, and the Betway Premiership win over Marumo Gallants - a testament to his influence in the heart of the Downs midfield.

Cardoso, as a result, believes Allende is undervalued in the PSL, questioning Oswin Appollis' recognition as the Midfielder of the Season for the previous campaign, where the Orlando Pirates attacker primarily operated as a winger.

“Regarding Marcelo, I said [that South Africa will miss him], when he received his man of the match [award]. I think it's a second one in a row, he got it in the last match [vs Marumo Gallants] also,” said the Sundowns boss.

"For me it's a suprising thing that Marcelo is performing consistently in South Africa for so many years and he still hasn't received an award for Midfielder of the Season, especially when we see a winger receive that trophy.

"But it's also something which is in the past, what we need to think about is what we're going to do this season, so that in the end we put ourselves in a position where we want to be.

"And no one in Sundowns has big interest in fighting for individual trophies unless those trophies mean that the team did well, and then we accept individuality, of course.

The African champions, meanwhile, swing back to Betway Premiership action with a clash against newly promoted side Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.

Hlayisani Magoro

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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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