Miguel Cardoso has revealed the extensive efforts made to preserve the Loftus Versfeld pitch ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns’ crucial CAF Champions League Final clash, while also hinting at frustration over playing conditions his side has faced throughout the season.
Sundowns are set to play one of the biggest matches of their campaign just 24 hours after a rugby fixture involving the Blue Bulls at the same venue, sparking concerns over the state of the playing surface.
Addressing the matter, Cardoso admitted every team wants to compete on the best possible pitch, but insisted his side has grown accustomed to dealing with difficult surfaces during the season.
“All teams like to play in the best pitch possible,” said Cardoso.
“But I think we’ve been put in so many challenges regarding pitches and surfaces throughout this season. We were even manipulated in the way we were taken to certain pitches that have less conditions than others have to play.”
The Portuguese tactician stopped short of directly criticising the decision to host a rugby match before the continental final, instead highlighting the work done by the club and grounds staff to ensure the surface remains in good condition.
According to Cardoso, Sundowns intentionally adjusted the grass length in recent home fixtures to help protect the pitch ahead of the final.
“There was a big effort regarding this pitch in the two home matches we played before,” he explained.
“We played with the grass longer than we’d like to, in order to keep the pitch as best as possible for tomorrow. Even the rugby match will be played at a 2.5 height for the grass, so it stays compact and it can be conserved as best as possible for the match the following day. And then it will be cut at a height that will allow us to play good football.”
The Sundowns coach praised the efforts behind the scenes, acknowledging the work of the groundsman and club officials in preparing the venue for such an important occasion.
“So there’s been a lot of effort from the club and the groundsman, so we can have proper conditions for the match tomorrow.”
While Cardoso’s comments reflected confidence that the pitch would ultimately be suitable for the final, his remarks about being “manipulated” into playing on inferior surfaces are likely to attract attention and add another layer of intrigue ahead of the highly anticipated continental showdown.