Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has identified the factors he believes have hampered the team’s Betway Premiership title defense.
The Brazilians’ championship hopes suffered a massive blow on Tuesday evening following a shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of TS Galaxy.
The result leaves Sundowns’ fate out of their own hands; they now require Orlando Pirates to drop points in their final two fixtures against Durban City and Orbit College.
Speaking after the loss to the Rockets, Cardoso suggested that a grueling, congested schedule throughout the season has finally taken its toll on his squad’s performance.
“Let’s see what’s gonna happen, but it’s tough because I really wanted to be on that position [top],” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.
“But as I said before, I am gonna repeat, it was the calendar that beat us because we made 11 victories in a row since January and After we played the Esperance, we drew twice and we lost today.
“So, it’s important that the fans look with honesty for the work of the boys. They can criticise the coach, it’s not a problem for me, I have big shoulders.
“But I know the fans will be on our side on the weekend. That’s what we need for them to be on our side. These boys have been working all season very hard.
“We lost two times on penalties on two cups. And we lost on the Nedbank Cup in a match that we had to change players. Otherwise, we would not be probably in the final of the Champions League. So it’s hard very hard for them [fans].
“I completely understand but look the big picture and let’s make a proper analysis when we finish everything.”
