Cardoso Fumes As Sundowns Bottle Lead Against Resurgent Stellies

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was left seething on Wednesday night, cutting short his post-match television interview after his side surrendered a late lead to draw 1-1 with Stellenbosch at Loftus Versfeld.

The result feels like a strategic victory for Orlando Pirates, thanks to a helping hand from their own loanee, Tshegofatso Mabasa. The striker stepped up to take an 86th-minute penalty after Khulumane Ndamane clumsily brought down Chumani Butsama.

While Ronwen Williams initially saved the spot-kick, the rebound fell perfectly for Mabasa to nod into an empty net.

Mabasa nearly turned the title race on its head moments later when he found the net again, but his potential winner was ruled out for offside—abruptly ending Gavin Hunt’s touchline celebrations.

“We Only Have Ourselves to Blame”

A visibly frustrated Cardoso did not hide his disappointment regarding his team’s lack of clinical finishing and the “reckless” defensive error that led to the equalizer.

“What happened is that the game was completely under control,” Cardoso said on SuperSport TV.

“On many occasions, we had chances to score a second goal, but we didn’t take them. Then we conceded a penalty in the final moments.

“We can only blame ourselves for not converting our chances. In the second half, the opportunities kept coming, but when you don’t score, you leave yourself exposed—and we made a big mistake.

“We were in full control, there was no real danger, but we were reckless in that moment and conceded the penalty.

“We can only look at ourselves—nothing more.”

Following the final whistle, Sundowns players were seen consoling a distraught Ndamane, whose error cost the Brazilians two points and the chance to reclaim the top spot.

Title Race Implications

The stalemate leaves Pirates at the summit of the Betway Premiership with 58 points from 25 matches, while Sundowns sit just one point behind with a game in hand.

The pressure now shifts back to the Buccaneers. By the time Sundowns take the pitch against Richards Bay at Umhlathuze Sports Complex, Pirates could potentially be four points clear if they secure a victory in Sunday’s highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.