Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has called for better match control from officials following "overly aggressive" encounters with Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Miguel Cardoso has pleaded with the powers that be to help match officials control their games better, after a more aggressive approach from Kaizer Chiefs resulted in ugly scenes and medical emergencies during two of the latter's recent high-profile fixtures.
Chiefs faced both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in crucial Betway Premiership matches this past week, which ended in 1–1 draws at FNB Stadium and Loftus Versfeld on Saturday and Wednesday night, respectively.
The Amakhosi have had a major influence on the league's title race, particularly in the nation’s capital this week, after the draw with Sundowns swung the advantage in the championship towards Pirates. The Sea Robbers have not won the title since the 2011/12 season.
While clearly disappointed with the result, the Sundowns coach was more frustrated with the officiating of Luxolo Badi, believing the referee allowed dangerous tackles to go unchecked. One such incident involved Siphesihle Ndlovu, who collided with Keanu Cupido, resulting in the Sundowns defender fracturing his collarbone.
Cardoso added that it was the second time in a high-stakes match that excessive aggression had been allowed to continue without severe punishment.
“I am not here to speak about the referees, but of course if it’s a group of referees, they should try to manage the game in a way that allows them to control it from the start,” Cardoso said.
"The referee must control the match and not allow the aggression to reach a certain level. I think the game was too aggressive, and the Pirates game was very aggressive as well. I don’t think that’s the football we want to see because it won’t benefit anyone.”
Sundowns are set to face Siwelele at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday and TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium in their final two league matches of the season. These are games Cardoso will hope are officiated cleanly, as they will determine their title fate.