Cardoso urges South African football to match Morocco after muddy pitch criticism

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has called on South Africa’s football authorities to improve the country’s facilities, comparing the muddy Buffalo City Stadium surface to a wrestling venue rather than a football pitch.

Cardoso’s comments followed Sundowns’ 1-1 draw with Chippa United in the Betway Premiership in East London. The fixture had been moved from Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Monday because the original venue was unavailable, a decision which had already frustrated the Portuguese coach.

Sundowns rescued a point with a late equaliser, but Cardoso questioned whether the match should have been played at Buffalo City Stadium given the condition of the pitch.

“People have to really think about the purpose, the intention, and the direction they want South African football to take. There’s a country in Africa that is completely detaching from the rest of the continent, and that is Morocco,” he said.

“Conditions have been created that side for players to perform at a very high level, and that is the direction football has to take in South Africa.

“There is something behind the policy that needs to be studied to see the level of failure. I know in other countries this will not be allowed. This is not a football pitch because it is so muddy, it’s better for wrestling.”

The difficult surface also contributed to the physical character of the match, according to Cardoso, who said Chippa United were able to make full use of the conditions.

The Sundowns coach said the quality of South African football had to be considered alongside the facilities and pitches on which matches are played. He pointed to Morocco’s investment in creating an environment that enables players to perform at a high level as an example South Africa should examine.

Teboho Mokoena was pictured contesting a muddy duel with Azola Tshobeni during the match at the wet Buffalo City Stadium.

Milford make top-flight statement

Newly promoted Milford FC recorded their biggest win in the top flight with a 5-1 victory over Richards Bay FC at Sugar Stadium on Sunday.

The result came in the first top-flight derby between teams from the north of KZN. Milford, known as the Stallions, moved to 11 points after seven games after overpowering a Richards Bay side reduced to 10 men.

At Toyota Stadium, Golden Arrows were unable to hold on to their second-half lead as Siwelele fought back to earn a 1-1 draw.