Miguel Cardoso has launched a blistering attack on the Betway Premiership fixture scheduling, claiming the league has effectively “rolled out the red carpet” for Orlando Pirates in the title race. The Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, speaking after his side’s shock 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy on Wednesday, insisted the congested calendar is solely responsible for his team’s faltering form. “I know people say excuses, excuses, but I invite anyone to really look at the calendar that these boys have been involved in in the last 21 days,” Cardoso said. “We were not beaten by whoever, but by the calendar.” With Sundowns stuck on 68 points and their season finished, the Portuguese boss believes fatigue has tilted the balance decisively toward the Buccaneers.
The numbers back up the drama of a rapidly tightening title race. Orlando Pirates sit on 65 points with two games in hand, meaning just four more points from their remaining fixtures would guarantee a first Betway Premiership crown since 2012. Even three points might be enough, provided the Sea Robbers do not lose by more than seven goals in their other match. Their commanding goal difference of +44, compared to Sundowns’ +36, offers a comfortable cushion. Crucially, Pirates have not lost any league match this season by more than a single goal, making a catastrophic swing in goal difference highly improbable.
Next up for Jose Riveiro’s side is a home clash with Durban City, a fixture that could mark a significant milestone if the Buccaneers close out the title. The match may also provide a poignant farewell for midfield veteran Makhehlene Makhaula, who could be approaching a swansong in the coming weeks. With Pirates smelling their first league glory in 14 years, and Cardoso pointing fingers at the calendar rather than his own squad, all eyes now turn to how the Sea Robbers handle the pressure of the finish line.