Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, speaking during a press conference. Picture: Itumeleng English, Independent Newspapers
Michael Sherman
Despite an inspiring 4-2 Betway Premiership win over Sekhukhune United on their home turf on Wednesday, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has slammed the busy fixture schedule of his side.
Sundowns, who have won the last seven league titles in a row, appear to be hurtling towards an eighth at 15 points ahead, even though they have played four games more than second-placed Orlando Pirates.
The match against Sekhukhune was the eighth fixture Sundowns have played in February, and now they have just a couple days before they face Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.
Those February fixtures were made up of seven league matches and one Nedbank Cup game. In April, Sundowns will also be back in action in the Caf Champions League in a two-leg quarter-final against ES Tunis over the space of a week.
It’s not the first time that Cardoso has complained about the schedule, and even in the wake of their impressive win he did not mince his words.
“It's absolutely insane what's happening to Sundowns,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.
“The schedule is insane, it's not normal, it doesn't respect a human being and I think it should be thought of and well considered because I don't know how it's possible.
“But we keep alive, we struggle and will continue pushing forward for sure.”
On the clash against Sekhukhune, it was a tighter affair than the scoreline suggested explained Cardoso.
“A very difficult match, very difficult context. It was good in the right moments we scored, they gave us obviously an emotional advantage. But I also think we started the game very well.
“We controlled the match and that allowed us to gain a good advantage. Anyway, it was difficult to react to the style of game that Sekhukhune played. They just played long balls, long balls, aggressive.
“So you are always trying to play football and build from the back. Quite difficult context. Anyway, respect for my players as they did their best and obviously they deserved to win.”
@Michael_Sherman
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