‘The calendar beat us’: Cardoso blasts hectic schedule after Galaxy defeat

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has once again pointed to a relentless fixture list as the primary reason for his side’s downfall.

This follows a dramatic 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night—a result that effectively hands the title race initiative to Orlando Pirates.

The Brazilians have now officially concluded their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, ending on 68 points. Although Masandawana technically remain at the summit, their hold on the trophy is precarious. Second-placed Orlando Pirates, who possess a superior goal difference, trail by only three points. If the Buccaneers secure a victory against Durban City FC this Saturday and avoid a catastrophe against Orbit College FC in their final fixture, the crown will head to Soweto.

For Cardoso, the defeat in Nelspruit was a symptom of a much larger problem. Having frequently raised the alarm regarding player welfare, the coach attributed the lacklustre performance to sheer physical exhaustion, claiming his squad has run out of steam at the most critical juncture of the season.

Miguel Cardoso reacts to Sundowns’ third consecutive loss to TS Galaxy away from home. 👆🚀⚽️#AirMobile #BetwayPrem #AbsaFootballFridays pic.twitter.com/24cERO3Nwg

— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) May 12, 2026

Cardoso Fumes as Fatigue Derails Sundowns’ Title Defence

“Obviously, what we wanted was to finish today [Tuesday] in the best way by winning here, but it was an unfortunate match,” a frustrated Cardoso told the media.

Addressing the inevitable critics of his rotation and results, Cardoso was defiant. “I know people will say that is an excuse, but I invite anyone to look at the calendar we’ve faced in the last 21 days. After playing Esperance [in the CAF Champions League], we played seven matches in 21 days; this is the fourth in a row on the third day. We are almost not sleeping at home.”

The tactician noted that while he anticipated a drop in energy, the mental toll led to uncharacteristic errors. “I knew that the energy would not be high, but we had to be on top. But of course, we made mistakes that we cannot afford. In these last matches, due to fatigue, we certainly exposed ourselves and conceded goals that we never used to concede. It’s quite unfortunate.”

A HISTORIC DEFENSIVE COLLAPSE

The statistics behind Sundowns’ recent slump are staggering and illustrate a rare defensive capitulation for the Chloorkop-based giants. For the first time since February 2008—nearly two decades ago—Sundowns have conceded three or more goals in consecutive league matches. This unwanted record, last seen against Bidvest Wits and Moroka Swallows, comes on the heels of a bruising encounter where they shipped four goals against Siwelele FC just days before the Galaxy trip.

Furthermore, the early defensive lapse in Mbombela marked only the 10th time in the history of the PSL that the Brazilians have conceded twice within the opening 18 minutes of a league game.

Despite the looming threat of losing the league title, Sundowns must quickly regroup as they prepare for a high-stakes, two-legged CAF Champions League final against AS FAR.

Cardoso remains adamant that his players’ character is not the issue, but rather the administrative demands placed upon them. “With the legs that we have at the moment, obviously it’s emotionally very tough,” he added.

“Anyway, the boys showed great character. We knew that we didn’t have the legs, but we had the character to fight for it. I don’t think it’s exactly a fair result regarding what happened on the pitch, but it’s something we have nothing to point to. Now it’s time to look ahead. Let’s see in the future if someone has to play seven matches in 21 days and tries to deal with it. So I think we were not beaten by whoever, but by the calendar.”