“When Things Become Personal”: Cardoso Responds To Fierce Fan Backlash Over Pirates Blunder
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has apologized for mistakenly claiming that Orlando Pirates lost to Milford FC in last season’s Nedbank Cup. He added that the harsh personal backlash he received was undeserved, emphasizing that he has a family who cares for him.
After Sundowns grinded out a 2-0 win over Milford FC in a midweek fixture, Cardoso noted how tough the KwaZulu-Natal side was to face, incorrectly stating that Pirates had also fallen to them in the cup.
In reality, Orlando Pirates were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Casric Stars [now known as Real Native], while Sundowns exited the tournament against TS Galaxy in the same stage.
Supporters reacted strongly on social media, accusing Cardoso of crossing the line and being obsessed with Pirates—who ended Sundowns’ eight-year reign in the Betway Premiership by completing a domestic treble last season.
The rivalry between the two sides remains fierce, with Sundowns set to meet Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final on 10 October.
Additionally, Sundowns reclaimed top spot in the league table from Pirates over the weekend following a 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Pirates were tied up in CAF Champions League duty, securing a draw in the first leg of their preliminary round tie away against Mauritius’ Lacure Waves.
“Unfortunately, last week I made a mistake when I said that Orlando Pirates had lost to Milford. It was a mistake on my side,” said Cardoso.
“I’m sorry, it was not true, but Milford had a fantastic campaign last year. Immediately, there was a lot of criticism of me just because I made a mistake.
“I also have a good heart. I’m a papa to my family, and I have a huge boy who is a fantastic person with a great education. He is 24 years old and just about to finish his master’s degree in engineering.
“I have a wife, papa and mama. When things become personal, there is a family behind that.
“I think that is the respect that people need to have. I think I have already proved to South Africa that we can do beautiful things together; it is just a matter of letting things flow.” added Cardoso, who won the CAF Champions League for Sundowns last season.
“Obviously, the direction is not always straight; it is up and down. But we know the direction in which we want to go – forward and not backwards.
“And love will always unite us, as much as critics can try to tear us apart.”
Sundowns will look to move six points clear of Pirates when they host an out-of-sorts Siwelele FC—who parted ways with coach Lehlonolo Seema on Monday—in a Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.
