Mamelodi Sundowns coach bemoans ‘dark day’ as he finds solace in Guardiola’s words

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has labeled the scheduling of their league match against Orbit College as a “dark day for South African football.”

Cardoso’s team was forced to play just three days before a crucial CAF Champions League quarter-final clash at home to Malian side Stade Malien.

Sundowns secured a 2-0 victory over Orbit College on Tuesday evening, a result that sent them to the top of the PS table. However, the timing of the fixture has drawn sharp criticism from the coach.

A goal and a top performance from Iqraam Rayners earn him the Man of the Match award. 🔥#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/mgwahP7dEQ
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 10, 2026

Cardoso had previously expressed his frustration after Orbit College reportedly declined a request to reschedule the match to the preceding weekend. This would have given Sundowns more time to prepare for their continental clash against Stade Malien on Friday.

Cardoso happy with Mamelodi Sundowns’ sprit

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the win, Cardoso balanced his satisfaction with the result against his disappointment with the circumstances.

“First of all, we are happy we won the match and collected the points,” he said as quoted by Soccer Laduma. “We wanted to score two goals as quickly as possible. I think we started so strong we could have scored very early in the first half.”

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

“We didn’t, but we kept the right attitude,” he continued. “At halftime, it was about small corrections and maintaining that mindset. I think we were rewarded, scored the first and second goals, and then immediately had to start thinking about what we have ahead.”

Cardoso then voiced his strong disapproval of the situation, stating that it undermines the efforts of South African clubs competing internationally.

Portuguese coach slams punishing schedule

Mamelodi Sundowns players Marcelo Allende and Aubrey Modiba celebrate a goal. Photo – Mamelodi Sundowns

“I think today is a little bit of a dark day for football in South Africa. We are not pleased with the situation we were put in; that’s clear,” he declared. “No one in South Africa should have to play a Champions League quarter-final and a league match three days before.”

“It’s something South Africa should think about. Everybody should be provided with the conditions to be successful when representing the country at an international level, and we were not rewarded with that pleasure. But we will keep strong and we are going to fight.”

Drawing a parallel with a recent comment from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Cardoso concluded, “As Guardiola said this week, it’s because we’re strong and people respect our strength. So, it is what it is.”