Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso strongly criticized the scheduling of their Nedbank Cup last 16 match against Sekhukhune United, played on Friday.
Despite securing a 1-0 extra-time victory, Cardoso argued that the team was unfairly denied adequate rest and preparation time ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League quarterfinal clash with Esperance on Tuesday.
He called on authorities to acknowledge Sundowns' significant contributions to South African football on the global level.
The Brazilians only have a weekend and Monday to prepare for the clash with the North African giants.
CARDOSO CRITICISES SCHEDULING OF THEIR NEDBANK CUP CLASH
“Firstly, we should understand what we are clearly doing here today. This match should not have been played today,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV as quoted by iDiski Times.
“And it’s important that people that are responsible in South Africa for football understand the clubs defend the country. And in the moment we’re playing football, there’s a team we gonna play Tuesday that is preparing themselves, resting, having the players in the proper condition to play the next the game that is the Champions League match.
“We should not be here today, we should not be here!
“At the same time, I should say that, it’s the second time that we score legal goals that are not given.
“We scored a goal in the 90th minute. It’s a clear clean goal and again we punished by the bad decision.
“It’s important that people that are in charge of football they take responsibility. Because I think that Mamelodi Sundowns for many years is defending very well South African football abroad and in the country.
“And that should be taken in consideration and respected.”
