Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has sparked controversy by questioning the league’s sporting integrity, suggesting that title rivals Orlando Pirates have received favorable treatment regarding match venues.
Following a pivotal 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy that handed the Buccaneers a massive advantage in the Premiership race, Cardoso pointed to recent fixture logistics as a significant factor in the shift of momentum.
The Venue Dispute: Seshego vs. Peter Mokaba
Cardoso’s frustrations stem from the differing conditions under which the two title contenders faced Magesi FC:
- The Sundowns Experience: Magesi opted to host Masandawana at the Seshego Stadium, a smaller venue with a pitch Cardoso described as challenging and restrictive for his side’s playing style.
- The Pirates Experience: Just a weekend later, Magesi moved their home fixture against Orlando Pirates to the world-class Peter Mokaba Stadium. The Buccaneers took full advantage of the superior pitch, securing a clinical 3-0 victory.
“The Red Carpet was Opened”
Speaking to the media, a visibly frustrated Cardoso did not hold back, suggesting that the “Buccaneers” were invited to play on venues that suited their strengths while his side was forced into more difficult environments.
“We played Magesi, they took us somewhere in the country where the pitch is small… but when it’s Pirates, they invite them to a big venue, a nice pitch to play football,” Cardoso remarked. “I think the red carpet was opened in front of them.”
Is the Title Race Over?
Despite the setback against TS Galaxy and the perceived disadvantages, Cardoso stopped short of conceding the championship. While he acknowledged that if Pirates win, it is because they had a “good season,” he insisted that a fair analysis of the “recent weeks” and “management of pitches” is necessary to understand the full context of the 2025/26 season.
