Miguel Cardoso warns referees over ‘targeting’ of Mamelodi Sundowns players

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has accused referees of unfairly targeting his players with yellow cards, saying the club’s disciplinary record is putting their title challenge at risk.

Cardoso made the comments after Sundowns’ emphatic 5-2 league victory over AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday. Teboho Mokoena, Tashreeq Matthews, Bennet Mokoena and Brayan Leon, who scored twice, were on target as the home side secured a convincing win.

The Portuguese coach said Sundowns’ high-possession, attacking style did not justify the number of cautions they had received. He claimed the club had been treated harshly by officials since last season and suggested the situation needed to be addressed before suspensions affect key players.

“I’m not happy seeing my players seeing so many yellow cards. It’s important that we understand that we have already got, in six matches, 15 yellow cards a team like Sundowns that dominates match after match. Go see the stats and ball possession,” Cardoso told reporters at the post-match press conference.

He compared Sundowns’ disciplinary record with that of opponents in recent matches, pointing to what he viewed as an imbalance in the number of bookings issued.

“We finish with four yellow cards, AmaZulu with one. Against Golden Arrows, we had three, they had one. We played Marumo [Gallants], one yellow card, Marumo with zero. [Kaizer] Chiefs four-four, Polokwane two-two, but Polokwane should have had three yellow cards.

“Last season we had 53 yellow cards, Pirates had 28; we had four red cards, Pirates had zero red cards.

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

“I speak for the referees. Pay attention in the way you are targeting my players because it’s too easy to target them. When I received my yellow card, I said it’s too easy to target my players.

“We play positive football, with respect. Just understand the role and the way we respect football. We’re not a bad team or bullies on the pitch; we want to play the game.

“Let’s hope this situation can be corrected because the yellow cards will take players out [suspended] in future.”

Sundowns now turn their attention to the MTN8 semi-final second leg against Golden Arrows. They must overturn a 1-0 deficit from the opening match if they are to progress.

Cardoso said the performance against AmaZulu had provided momentum, but acknowledged that Golden Arrows would present a difficult challenge. He also noted the visitors’ defensive record as Sundowns prepare for the decisive fixture.

“There was a loss in one match; let’s see if we are capable enough to go to Arrows and make it happen,” he said. “Arrows, how many goals have they conceded now? Nothing. They are doing well, they will test us.

“There is a lot to do, and whatever happens at the weekend, consistency will speak for us.”

The coach’s comments came as Sundowns attempted to maintain their strong league form while also recovering from the setback against Golden Arrows. Cardoso warned that continued disciplinary problems could remove players from important matches later in the season, with suspensions potentially having a significant impact on the championship race.