Cardoso questions refereeing as Sundowns boss compares disciplinary record with Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has questioned the consistency of refereeing in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, arguing that his side has been punished far more harshly than title rivals Orlando Pirates and insisting “the same rules” should apply to every team.

The Portuguese coach voiced his frustration after Sundowns’ 5-2 league victory over AmaZulu, pointing to what he believes is a worrying trend in the number of yellow and red cards shown to his players despite the team’s possession-based style of football.

Cardoso revealed that Sundowns have already accumulated 15 yellow cards in their opening six league matches this season, a tally he said does not reflect the way his team plays.

“I’m not happy seeing my players getting so many yellow cards,” he said.

He backed up his argument by comparing disciplinary records from last season, claiming Sundowns received 53 yellow cards and four red cards, while Orlando Pirates finished the campaign with just 28 yellow cards and no dismissals.

“Last year we had 53 yellow cards, Pirates had 28. We had four red cards, Pirates had zero red cards,” Cardoso said. “It must be the same rules for everybody.”

The Sundowns coach also highlighted recent matches in which he felt the balance of disciplinary decisions had gone against his team.

According to Cardoso, Sundowns finished Wednesday’s win over AmaZulu with four yellow cards compared with one for their opponents. He also pointed to previous games against Golden Arrows, Marumo Gallants, Kaizer Chiefs and Polokwane City as examples of what he considers inconsistent officiating.

Cardoso warned that the growing number of bookings could have a significant impact on Sundowns’ title challenge, with suspensions threatening to deprive the club of key players later in the season.

“The yellow cards put players out as we go through the season and these matches will speak for the championship,” he said.

The former Espérance coach stopped short of accusing officials of deliberate bias but urged referees to examine how they handle matches involving Sundowns.

“Pay attention in the way you are targeting my players because it’s too easy to target my players,” he said.

Cardoso maintained that Sundowns are committed to playing “positive football” and rejected any suggestion that his team should be viewed as overly aggressive.

“We’re not a bad team or bullies on the pitch; we want to play the game,” he added.

The coach also questioned a recent decision to disallow a goal scored by striker Brayan León, arguing that the referee’s positioning made it difficult to make the correct call.

Sundowns will now turn their attention to the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final against Golden Arrows, where they will attempt to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat while continuing their pursuit of another league title.