Sundowns coach Cardoso justifies Themba Zwane decision in Pyramids draw

Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokeona. Photo credit: Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has justified his decision to bench key player Themba Zwane during their draw against Pyramids FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final.

A late goal from Pyramids' Walid El Karti, four minutes into added time, denied Sundowns a vital home win, forcing a 1-1 draw at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. This outcome unfolded with captain Themba Zwane unexpectedly watching from the bench.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa had put the Tshwane giants ahead in the 54th minute, but the late equaliser means Sundowns will face a decisive second leg in Cairo next Sunday to determine the winner of this year's CAF Champions League tie.

Addressing the media in his post-match press conference on Saturday night, Sundowns coach Cardoso revealed his decision to bench Zwane was made to "keep the balance of the team."

Cardoso added that his decision regarding Zwane would not have been questioned had his team not conceded a last-minute goal against Pyramids.

“I have to manage Themba like all other players," said Cardoso. "Everybody wanted to be part of this match for sure. The decisions we made were made in order to keep the balance of the team, and we thought they were the best ones.

“It’s very beautiful football, or very ugly at the same time, because one, or ten seconds in the last minute of the game, changed the way you all think about us and the decisions that we made.

“If we did not concede that goal, everyone would have said the coach was fantastic and didn’t touch the team, he kept it balanced, and he made the best choices. We are judged according to the results we get, and it was one play, one dangerous action in the box.

“We conceded, and it changed the opinions of everyone. It’s clear what it is; we just have to hang on to it, keep the boys motivated, and push for the second leg, and that’s it.”