Brayan Leon of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates his brace during their Betway Premiership clash against Siwelele at Lucas Moripe Stadium this past weekend. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Miguel Cardoso says conceding four goals took some of the shine off Mamelodi Sundowns’ dramatic 7-4 victory over Siwelele FC despite the result strengthening their Betway Premiership title ambitions.
The Brazilians produced one of the most explosive attacking performances of the season on Saturday night, but Cardoso was left visibly frustrated by the defensive instability his side showed throughout the chaotic eleven-goal thriller.
While Sundowns remain top of the standings, the Portuguese coach made it clear that a match conceding four goals does not align with the standards he expects from his side.
“We won the first half, but we lost the second one 3-2,” Cardoso explained after the match. “It means that when you compared the way we played in each half — it’s completely different.”
Sundowns were ruthless during the opening half as they overwhelmed Siwelele with relentless attacking football and aggressive movement behind the defensive line. However, the game became increasingly open after the break as Siwelele continued finding opportunities against a Sundowns defence that looked unusually vulnerable.
“The goals appeared because in the first half we were much more loyal to what we want,” Cardoso continued. “Of course, I expected a drop but I also expected the players that came in to regulate the game before we go for more.”
Despite already leading comfortably, Sundowns continued pushing aggressively in search of additional goals as they attempted to improve their goal difference in the title race against Orlando Pirates.
Cardoso admitted he understood the players’ desire to keep attacking but felt the team lost balance in the process.
“At half-time I told them, ‘do you want this?’ because I will not tell you not to go for it, because it was clear that the boys wanted to score more goals,” he said.
“I think a result like that could only happen if our defence had the capacity to hold those attacks. There should be more balance between the disciplines.”
One of the key defensive moments came when Khulumani Ndamane made an error that directly led to a Siwelele goal. Cardoso, however, suggested fatigue is beginning to affect parts of his squad during the closing weeks of a demanding season.
“It’s very clear that he is tired. He’s not so reactive and agile,” Cardoso admitted. “Fatigue is also not only physical, it’s mental and the capacity to make technical tactical decisions is delayed a little bit sometimes.”
The Sundowns coach also pointed toward the growing defensive strain inside the squad with Keanu Cupido unavailable, Mothobi Mvala still injured and Grant Kekana suspended for the upcoming CAF Champions League final.
Ultimately, Cardoso admitted that despite the emphatic victory and attacking brilliance, the contest itself was far from a normal football match.