'Mamelodi Sundowns lost out on the Nedbank Cup final due to the referee's mistakes'

Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso has charged that they were victims of poor officiating following their loss to Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday night.

The Brazilians lost 2–1 to Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-final, as the latter booked a showdown with Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the final. Sundowns took the lead courtesy of Teboho Mokoena, but Chiefs equalised via Wandile Duba before Ashley du Preez wrapped up the win.

Cardoso was clearly disappointed with the result and some individual performances, before going on to lament the officiating of Masixole Bambiso and his team.

The Portugal-born coach even brought his phone to the post-match press conference, where he showed the media a picture of Du Preez appearing to be ahead of everyone.

“And then came a goal that was offside. I think we all saw it. If you didn’t see it, then go back and look at it, because it’s clear — clear offside,” Cardoso said.

“When you work in a country that doesn’t have VAR, that’s what happens. So, just go back — you have the images from the TV. A team will lose out on the competition due to a mistake from the referee. I think we have been penalised enough this season due to refereeing mistakes.”

Sundowns will now have to turn their focus to the two remaining competitions — the CAF Champions League and the Betway Premiership — going forward.

Sundowns are set to face Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg on Saturday night at Loftus, in a match they need to win before the trip to Cairo for the return leg. However, having lost this curtain-raiser against their domestic rivals, their morale could take a knock — something Cardoso believes could have been avoided.

“I don’t like these moral victories. We don’t live by moral victories. (Sunday), we exited the competition due to the referee’s mistakes,” he said.