Miguel Cardoso urges South Africa to improve stadiums and pitches like Morocco

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has urged South African football authorities to follow Morocco’s example in developing modern football infrastructure after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United.

The Portuguese coach was particularly critical of the condition of the Buffalo City Stadium pitch, which he felt negatively affected the quality of the game,

Cardoso believes South Africa needs to make better playing surfaces and stadium facilities a priority if the country wants its football to continue developing.

Cardoso points to Morocco as African example

Speaking after the match, Cardoso highlighted Morocco as a leading example of how investment in football infrastructure can create better conditions for players.

“People really need to think about the purpose, goal, and direction they want South African football to take. There is a country in Africa that is completely separating itself from the rest of the continent, and that is Morocco,” Cardoso said.

The Sundowns coach believes Morocco’s investment in facilities has helped create an environment where players can perform at a higher level.

“The right conditions have been created there for players to perform at a very high level, and that is the direction South African football needs to take,” he added.

Sundowns boss attacks Buffalo City pitch

Cardoso also questioned how the condition of the Buffalo City Stadium surface was allowed to reach such a poor standard.

“There is something behind this policy that needs to be examined to understand the scale of the failure. I know this wouldn’t be allowed in other countries. This isn’t a pitch for football because it’s too muddy; it’s actually better suited for wrestling,” he explained.

The Portuguese tactician felt the muddy surface changed the nature of the contest, making the game more physical and allowing Chippa United to take advantage of the conditions.

Cardoso calls for wider football debate

For Cardoso, the issue goes beyond one match or one stadium, with the quality of football infrastructure forming an important part of the future development of the South African game.

The Sundowns coach believes improvements to pitches and stadiums are necessary to provide players with suitable conditions to perform at their best and help South African football compete with the continent’s leading football nations.