Cardoso denies player favouritism: 'The coach of Sundowns has no son in the team'

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has issued a firm call for unity and support after his players were uncharacteristically booed ahead of their Betway Premiership clash against AmaZulu on Tuesday night.

A late goal from substitute Marcelo Allende secured a 1-0 victory for the Brazilians, moving them joint top of the standings alongside Orlando Pirates. Despite Sundowns looking well-positioned to retain their title with 13 league games remaining, it was the behaviour of the spectators that dominated the Portuguese coach’s post-match thoughts.

“We need to be supported, and today I saw something I had never seen, and I didn’t like it,” Cardoso said following the match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

A PLEA FOR FAMILY UNITY

Cardoso expressed his disappointment regarding the reception his squad received before kickoff, urging the "Masandawana family" to remain steadfast behind the team.

“I didn’t like to see the players of Sundowns being booed in the warm-up," he said. "I think the Masandawana family needs to keep together. These players work a lot. They don’t deserve to enter a pitch to perform a warm-up in a match like this and be booed, or for the fans to call for them to be substituted."

The coach also addressed growing allegations of favouritism. Recent social media commentary has questioned why certain South American players are being selected ahead of club stalwarts Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane.

“The coach of Sundowns has no sons in the team. The coach of Sundowns relates to the strategies, the moments, and the players available, and gives energy to everybody in the same way.”

Cardoso emphasised that nationality and race play no part in his selection process. “Not because one is Portuguese or South American, or South African, or white, or black, or yellow or whatever. We don’t relate to that. That is something we overcame many years ago... my family gave me the education to look at people as human beings."

INJURY UPDATES AND 'MISINFORMATION'

Beyond the atmosphere in the stands, Cardoso addressed rumours regarding the fitness of Monnapule Saleng. The 27-year-old, who joined from Orlando Pirates in January, is yet to make his debut due to a thigh injury.

Cardoso dismissed speculation that Saleng was being intentionally sidelined, citing a lack of clarity in public discourse.

“There’s a lot of misinformation regarding the players that are injured or not injured,” Cardoso explained. “It’s very important that on match day, people take a look at the report press-released by our media officer, so they understand the players that can be lined up or not. There is no need for those kinds of bad thoughts."

He confirmed that Saleng remains unavailable for selection for the time being: “Saleng is still injured. It’s a situation that is obviously progressing. Let’s see when he can help the team.”

LOOKING AHEAD

As the title race intensifies, Cardoso believes the club's success hinges on a collective effort between the squad and the supporters.

“What I want is the best for Mamelodi Sundowns, and it’s hard work we do together every day," he concluded. "If the family of supporters, together with the players, understand the way we are doing things, we can achieve good things. But we need to be committed—together, together, together.”