Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed concern about his players receiving red cards, which is nine red this season and more than any this season. 

Denis Onyango was the latest player to be sent off for Sundowns, the second time this season, against Marumo Gallants last week. As the Ugandan icon was sent off for the second time this season, it means he will miss three matches.  

He sat out in the club’s previous game when they thumped TS Galaxy 4-1 on Saturday, but Bathusi Aubaas was on the receiving end of a bad tackle from Victory Letsoalo as they extended their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership. 

“Red cards can appear out of nothing, like on Saturday, TS Galaxy lost a player in that nature,” Cardoso said. 

“It can happen because football has become so strong, so aggressive, and so quick. Sometimes when you put your foot then someone puts his foot as well, and it can happen. We lost Aubaas in Morocco in a situation like this. 

 “We lost Tashreeq Matthews last week and on Saturday it happened to the opponent. I cannot tell you it was an intention from the opponent because it happens, and sometimes they favor you and sometimes not. 

 “So, these kinds of things can happen but it’s good that none of our players got injured and also even on the opponent as well. But last time we lost Aubrey Modiba as he suffered a knee injury, and will be out for some time.” 

Meanwhile, the Brazilians are set to face third-placed Sekhukhune United at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday (19:30), the game they might be tested looking at the position of the latter on the log table. 

However, Cardoso sees this game as another opportunity to collect maximum points for the Tshwane giant to extend the lead. 

“I saw nothing from Sekhukhune, but because of the way we work I know there are reports of Sekhukhune on my laptop,” the Portuguese revealed. 

“We will train the way we want to play because we want the results. We have a strong respect for Sekhukhune but we have to prepare this game very well and that game is the most important game for us.”

Sundowns beat Sekhukhune 3-0 in the first round at Loftus Stadium in November.