Cardoso Baffled By Lack Of Official Ball In South African Football
Miguel Cardoso says he remains puzzled by several aspects of football administration in South Africa, including the small technical area in dugouts and the absence of an official match ball across the league.
The Mamelodi Sundowns coach revealed that during their league match against Orbit College FC on Tuesday — which Sundowns won 2-0 — his entire technical team and substitutes could not fit inside the designated dugout area.
Cardoso described the issue as part of a broader battle he is fighting to improve professional standards in the country’s football structures.
The former Espérance de Tunis coach spoke after Sundowns defeated Stade Malien 3-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday.
The match featured VAR, which is only implemented in the knockout stages of the Champions League and not during the group phase.
Sundowns initially had a goal by Iqraam Rayners ruled out for offside after a through pass from Nuno Santos. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned and the goal was awarded — helping Sundowns move a step closer to the semi-finals ahead of next weekend’s return leg in Bamako.
“I think I have never been directly critical of African referees,” said Cardoso.
“I don’t judge people; I don’t have that right as a human being. I live in a society where I was taught not to judge others.
“But we should all work in a direction where people become better and better. VAR is an important tool that can help referees because the game has changed a lot in recent years compared to 30 years ago.
“When you think about the speed of the game and the number of matches, referees face many challenges controlling everything that happens, including the pressure that comes from outside.
“But having a tool like VAR helps them, and that is exactly what I have been fighting for — better conditions for referees.”
Cardoso also highlighted infrastructure shortcomings he has experienced during league matches.
“We played in Rustenburg on a very cold night, but there were no benches in that match. Is it possible that in South African football, in the PSL, there are no benches to fit for coaches, staff, and substitutes?
“That is my fight in South African football — to show people that we can progress. How is it possible that we don’t have an official ball used across the league that could generate money through sponsorship?
“Each club can decide which ball to use, and those are the things I’ve been talking about. Some people think, ‘Ah, this guy comes from Portugal and thinks he is cleverer than everyone else.’
“But that’s not the case. I just want to bring my experience. Believe me, I’m a much better coach now than when I arrived in South Africa [in December 2024].
“You’ve put me into challenges I had never experienced before. But if I can contribute even a little bit, one day when I leave, I will be very happy because it will mean I have left a mark.
“It can be small, but it is important.
“But VAR today [Friday] was a fantastic tool. I think the situation was clear, and we understood that there were decisions that needed to be corrected. Of course, that was important.”
