Kaizer Chiefs defender fires back at Cardoso – ‘It’s a physical game, referee did well’

Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabiso Monyane praised his team and coaching staff for successfully executing their game plan against Mamelodi Sundowns, while also downplaying the intense physicality that marked the encounter.

Chiefs once again played a pivotal role in the title race, holding the league leaders to a 1-1 draw. The match saw Amakhosi take the lead through a Flavio da Silva goal before Bryan Leon leveled the score for Sundowns in the second half.

However, the game was defined by its aggressive nature, with fierce tackles from both sides. Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido was stretchered off following a challenge from Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu. Shortly after, Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala also had to be carried off after a heavy tackle from Jayden Adams.

Ndlovu was arguably fortunate to avoid a red card despite committing several fouls. Adams, on the other hand, was eventually sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation in the second half, but Sundowns held on to secure a point.

Monyane lauds ref despite Cardoso’s complaints

Monyane, who was named Man of the Match, addressed the rough play and commended the officiating of referee Luxolo Badi.

“I mean, football is a physical game. That’s why there’s a referee,” Monyane told SuperSport TV as quoted by iDiski Times. “I think the referee handled the game very well, and kudos to him.”

🏅 MOTM: Thabiso Monyane

“Fair result for both teams” #sabcsport411 pic.twitter.com/mxfMRP1Kxr

— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) May 6, 2026

This was in contrast to what Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso felt about the game, having slammed Chiefs players for employing a “kicking” tactic.

“It was a fight that the referee has an obligation to control. This is not the football we want, for sure, to be played or officiated,” Cardoso stated after the match. “The first 20 minutes were just a fight—kicking, looking for the players, man-on-man, and just kicking. This is the second match like this.”

Chiefs star on gameplan that nullified Sundowns

Former Orlando Pirates defender Monyane also detailed how his team managed to neutralise the potent Sundowns attack, emphasising their strategy to deny space and press high.

“Basically, not allowing them to play, because we knew they are a ball-playing team, so we knew that we shouldn’t give them too much space,” he explained.

“We just applied pressure on them and blocked where they are most lethal. So I think there was a plan well executed, and I’m just happy that we got another result.”

The draw denied Sundowns a chance to take a five-point lead at the top and now they lead Pirates by three points, with the Buccaneers having a game in hand and a +7-goal difference over the Brazilians which if they maintain and win all their games, they will be crowned champions for the first time in 14 years.