Cardoso Slams ‘Brainless’ Performance In MTN8 Draw

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso didn’t hold back, criticizing his players for a “brainless” second-half performance after their 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Cardoso believes his side should have done a better job of marking Pirates’ Kamogelo Sebelebele, who scored the equalizer in the 87th minute by slipping the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

A Game of Two Halves

The game was a tale of two halves. Sundowns dominated the first half, with Teboho Mokwena scoring a powerful header in the 36th minute. However, Pirates came back strong in the second half, putting continuous pressure on the visitors.

When asked about the emotional nature of the match, Cardoso stated on SuperSport TV, “I think that, as I said, too many hearts and it’s a brainless performance that we need to get rid of.” He lamented that his players failed to handle the emotions of the game, which led to poor decision-making.

The Impact of Themba Zwane’s Injury

Adding to Sundowns’ challenges was the early exit of captain Themba “Mshishi” Zwane, who left the game with a muscle injury. Cardoso noted that the team missed Zwane’s creative spark in the attacking third.

“Mshishi is an important player because we had to make one substitution in the first half,” lamented Cardoso. 

“But it’s what it is. We had to manage what happens, and let’s just hope it is nothing severe (ahead of the second leg).”

With the tie level, the stage is set for a decisive second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium next Saturday.