Cardoso dismisses reports of Komphela altercation before Sundowns return

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has played down reports that technical team member Steve Komphela was involved in an altercation with Wiliete SC coach Beto Bianchi during their CAF Champions League tie in Angola.

Reports claimed Komphela assaulted Bianchi during Sunday’s first-leg preliminary-round match, with the Wiliete SC coach allegedly requiring medical attention afterwards.

But Cardoso rejected suggestions that the incident had seriously damaged relations between the two clubs ahead of Friday night’s return leg at Loftus Versfeld.

“Well, there are two or three things that I can say. First one is that small things sometimes can become big things when you obviously give it too much attention. And I think that was too much attention than it was necessary for what happened,” said Cardoso.

He said the two clubs had maintained a positive relationship throughout Sundowns’ visit to Angola.

“Second one is that the clubs – we were very well received in Angola, very well received. And we were very well taken even out until the last moment we entered the flight. The teams and the clubs had and are still establishing a fantastic relation in terms of the way people connected.”

Cardoso acknowledged that the intensity of the match may have contributed to emotions boiling over, but insisted the disagreement was not serious.

“Football has a lot to do with emotions. A lot of emotions sometimes, which at times spill out of the glass. It doesn’t mean that the glass is broken or that the water is spoiled. It’s just a little bit of emotions, and we have already overcome that. I am sure it will be a beautiful match on Friday with people who will respect each other.”

The Mamelodi Sundowns manager said he expected to greet Bianchi when the teams meet again on Friday night.

Cardoso was also asked about the reigning champions having to begin their CAF Champions League campaign in the preliminary rounds rather than entering directly at the group-stage stage.

His response was brief: “Rules are rules.”