Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso used his side’s chaotic 7-4 Betway Premiership victory over Siwelele on Saturday as a platform to fire a pointed warning at football authorities, accusing them of neglecting his club ahead of the CAF Champions League final against ASFAR. Speaking to SuperSport TV, Cardoso expressed frustration that just four days after the domestic clash, his team will contest one of the most important matches in the club’s recent history, yet he claims they feel no institutional support. The Portuguese tactician did not stop there, making a controversial allegation that ASFAR obtained a wide-angled video of Sundowns’ recent match against Kaizer Chiefs, alleging the footage was delivered to their opponents. He admitted the claim might be unpopular, but insisted he had irrefutable knowledge of the incident, stating, “I know because someone saw.”
Cardoso contrasted this season’s struggles with the previous campaign, arguing that Sundowns have faced far more obstacles this time around, describing last year as a “walk in the park” for their opponents. He praised his squad’s resilience, insisting they have fought “like big, big men” to overcome difficulties and will continue doing so until the limit of their strength. Despite the mounting pressure, Cardoso expressed pride in his players, calling them “magnificent” for finding energy when there is nothing left to give. Sundowns remain locked in the Betway Premiership title race while simultaneously chasing continental glory, and Cardoso made it clear his group believes it can surmount every challenge. His comments are certain to ignite debate as tensions escalate ahead of the African football showpiece.