Cardoso Raises Eyebrows, Sundowns Treated Differently 

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 30: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso during the Mamelodi Sundowns press conference at Chloorkop on October 30, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed frustration over what he believes is unfair treatment his team receives when playing away matches, claiming opponents deliberately change venues to create difficult conditions.

Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s Betway Premiership clash against Orlando Pirates at Loftus Stadium, the Portuguese mentor highlighted a pattern of teams using alternative venues specifically when facing the defending champions.

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“Obviously, it’s an important point, the fact that the match needs support playing at home in the right way. Playing home in general you can find a proper environment to perform, usually as you know that in the PSL, usually the teams when they play Sundowns they change places mostly when we play away, we play in places that no other team plays,” Cardoso told the media.

The coach cited specific examples to illustrate his concerns about venue changes that he believes disadvantage his team.

“For example when we played Magesi we went to play in a pitch that no one plays in, just Mamelodi Sundowns plays. When we go to play Polokwane we play at a pitch that no one plays, only Sundowns plays. So when there is such an administration question, of course, you have to be strong at home if you want to compete with the other ones because when you play away, usually we struggle a lot because of not health conditions, and mostly we are not given the same conditions, as competition gets. I don’t know why, but that’s what happens,” Cardoso added.

Sundowns have historically maintained impressive home form at both the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium and Loftus Versfeld Stadium, which they share with rugby union side the Blue Bulls.

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In recent seasons, the Brazilians have rarely dropped points at home during crucial title races, though they have occasionally suffered defeats when the league title was already secured.

This season, Cardoso’s side has maintained their perfect home record while suffering just one defeat – a 1-0 loss away to Golden Arrows on September 24.

Saturday’s encounter against Pirates represents a crucial test of Sundowns’ home dominance, with kick-off scheduled for 15h30 at Loftus Stadium.

The match could prove pivotal in the early title race, with both teams seeking to establish supremacy in what promises to be another compelling chapter in their rivalry.

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