Cardoso hits out at Sundowns fans for pre-match jeering

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has called for unity within the “Masandawana family” after his side secured a vital, last-gasp 1-0 victory over AmaZulu FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night.

While the late winner from substitute Marcelo Allende kept the defending champions firmly in the hunt for the Betway Premiership title, the post-match talk was dominated by Cardoso’s reaction to a hostile reception from his own supporters.

The victory also saw the Tshwane giants return to the summit of the table, moving level with second-placed Orlando Pirates on 38 points. Despite having played 17 games each, Sundowns lead the way courtesy of a superior goal difference.

‘No Place For Booing’ – Cardoso To Sundowns Fans

In a rare moment of public friction, the Portuguese mentor reprimanded fans who allegedly booed the team during their pre-match warm-up. The negativity follows the club’s recent shock elimination from the Nedbank Cup.

“Today I saw something that I have never seen, and I didn’t like,” Cardoso admitted. “I didn’t like to see the players of Sundowns being booed during the warm-up. The Masandawana family needs to stay together because these players work a lot. They don’t deserve to enter a pitch like this while being booed.”

The win over Usuthu was about more than just three points; it was a test of character. Cardoso revealed that the squad had undergone a period of “intense reflection” following their cup exit, focusing on a more philosophical approach to their football.

“We spoke a lot about life these last few days and how we can focus on the present moment, because we don’t know what tomorrow has in store,” Cardoso explained. “That was the message: commit to today [Tuesday night]. I think the last cup match was very unfair—football penalises you when you make mistakes, regardless of how hard you fight.”

Despite the friction with the stands, Cardoso remains adamant that his side is in a “rich vein of form.” The victory in Durban serves as a timely reminder of Sundowns’ resilience as the title race hits its most critical phase.

With the trophy still the primary objective, Cardoso insisted that constructive support, rather than criticism, will be the fuel that carries the Brazilians to the finish line.