Cardoso Clarifies Zwane Decision In Pyramids Stalemate
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has explained his decision to keep captain Themba Zwane on the bench for the entire 90 minutes against Pyramids FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final on Saturday.
The two teams settled for a share of the spoils in the capital as Walid ElKarti canceled out Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s opener at the death, a goal that could prove vital for the Egyptians’ quest for a first-ever continental triumph.
While the result was frustrating for the Masandawana faithful, questions were raised over the Portuguese mentor’s reluctance to introduce the experienced playmaker in a crucial continental decider.
However, the 52-year-old tactician has since shed light on why he opted against relying on the services of Zwane on the day, stating that he made the decision not to call upon the veteran attacking midfielder in a bid to keep the balance of the team.
“I have to manage Themba [Zwane] like all the other players, everybody wanted to be part of this match for sure. The decisions we made were to keep the balance of the team; we thought it was the best one,” said Cardoso.
Cardoso went on to defend his choice, highlighting that football is a result-oriented game, where the coach’s reputation can change in split seconds. Despite the setback, the former Esperance de Tunis boss is highly motivated to bring continental glory back to Chloorkop.
“You know, it’s very beautiful football, or very ugly at the same time because 10 seconds in the last minute of the game changed the way you all think about us and the decisions that we made because if we had not suffered that goal, everybody was going to say the coach is fantastic, he didn’t touch the team, he kept the team in balance, he made the best choices,” he added.
“We are under judgment according to the results that we get, and it was one play, one dangerous action they had in the box, because second half, we controlled it. Sometimes more with the ball in the first 25 minutes, and much more with the ball, then hanging, organizing ourselves to cope with the conditions that were on the pitch.
“We suffered a goal and that changed the opinion of everybody, that’s clear what it is, we just have to hang on to it and keep the boys motivated, push for the second leg and that’s it.”
Sundowns will travel to Cairo, where the return leg of the tie is scheduled for 1 June at the 30 June Stadium. The winner of the match will lift the new Champions League trophy that was unveiled on 22 May in Johannesburg.
