Cardoso explodes: Sundowns coach claims club officials are visiting referees

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has set the South African football fraternity ablaze with explosive allegations, claiming that club officials are engaging in clandestine match-day meetings with referees.

The Portuguese tactician made the explosive claims following Masandawana’s narrow 2-1 Nedbank Cup Round of 32 victory over Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Gomora United at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night.

While goals from Peter Shalulile and Thapelo Morena were enough to secure Sundowns a place in the Last 16, the post-match discourse was dominated by Cardoso’s allegations regarding the integrity of the local game.

“I Saw a Photo” – Cardoso Says

Cardoso, who has been under fire following a string of inconsistent results—including a recent 2-1 CAF Champions League loss to Al Hilal—did not hold back when discussing the need for VAR and structural reform in the PSL.

However, it was his suggestion of “night-time visits” to referees that stole the spotlight.

“It becomes very interesting that the officials of some teams visit the referees in the morning of the match, do you know that?” Cardoso asked the media. “Look for that because I saw a photo today [Wednesday]. It’s the first time I’ve seen the club officials visiting the referee of their game at night. That happened very recently… and that’s what you need to worry about.”

A Call for Structural Reform By the Sundowns Coach

The Sundowns mentor used the platform to compare the South African landscape to his native Portugal, suggesting that the PSL needs to focus on youth development, infrastructure, and the centralisation of TV rights to help “weaker teams” compete fairly.

“We need to create good conditions for this show that we are part of,” Cardoso added, urging the media to investigate off-field conduct rather than focusing solely on team performances.

On the pitch, Sundowns were made to work for their progression. Peter Shalulile opened the scoring in the first half, but a defensive lapse from youngster Malibongwe Khoza allowed Gomora United to equalise just before the break.

The Brazilians eventually restored their lead in the second half when wing-back Thapelo Morena headed home a pinpoint cross from Jayden Adams.

The victory sees Sundowns join Stellenbosch FC in the next round, but Cardoso’s “damning” comments are likely to draw the attention of the PSL Disciplinary Committee in the coming days.