Cardoso Blames Fatigue After Mamelodi Sundowns’ MTN8 Semi-Final Exit
Mamelodi Sundowns’ quest for MTN8 glory came to a crashing halt at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, as Orlando Pirates booked their place in the final with a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout victory. The semi-final clash ended 1-1 on the day and 2-2 on aggregate, but it was the Buccaneers who held their nerve from the spot to dump the Brazilians out of the lucrative competition.
Iqraam Rayners had given Sundowns the advantage with a well-taken strike, but the home side’s joy was short-lived when Kamogelo Sebelebele struck late to level matters and force penalties. In the ensuing shootout, Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine emerged as the hero, pulling off crucial saves against Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende. Tshegofatso Mabasa converted the decisive spot-kick after Deon Hotto, Abdoulaye Mariko, and Sipho Mbule all found the back of the net.
Sundowns Left to Rue Fatigue Factor
Following the defeat, Sundowns coach Cardoso did not mince his words, attributing the loss to his team’s heavy workload. Having represented the country at the FIFA Club World Cup, he argued that his side simply lacked freshness compared to their rivals.
“The players tried their best, but we saw an unusual number of errors in simple passes. For me, fatigue is not just physical—it affects the mind,” Cardoso explained in frustration. “We made far too many mistakes, and that disrupted the fluidity of our game. Pirates were resting and preparing while we were still competing abroad. Naturally, we came into this match at a disadvantage.”
Demands of the Season Catching Up
Cardoso pointed out that both legs of the semi-final were gruelling, with neither side giving much away. However, he insisted that Sundowns were not fully prepared to cope with the intensity.
“These were two very demanding matches from start to finish,” he added. “At the moment, we are not at the level we want to be. We haven’t played as many domestic games as Pirates, who had more time to focus on this competition. That difference matters in matches of this magnitude.”
The coach stressed that his players battled valiantly, but mental and physical fatigue played a decisive role. “We had moments where we were the better team and moments where Pirates edged us. Overall, both teams were very competitive, but in the end, inspiration from their goalkeeper made the difference.”
Orlando Pirates Seize the Moment
For Orlando Pirates, the result represented yet another statement of intent. The Buccaneers not only eliminated the reigning Premiership champions but also underlined their growing resilience in high-pressure matches. With Chaine producing the heroics between the sticks, the Soweto giants will now look ahead to the final brimming with confidence.
A Bitter Pill for Mamelodi Sundowns
For Sundowns, the loss is a setback in their pursuit of a domestic treble. Cardoso’s side will now have to regroup quickly with the league campaign in full swing and continental commitments looming large. The coach acknowledged that the timing of the Club World Cup had hindered his team’s rhythm, but he remained hopeful they would rediscover their trademark dominance in the coming weeks.
“This defeat hurts, but it’s part of football. We are still building towards where we want to be,” he said. “We know what this squad is capable of, and we’ll bounce back.”
The Thin Line Between Glory and Disappointment
Saturday’s semi-final highlighted just how fine the margins are at the top level of the game. While Sundowns’ fatigue may have contributed to their downfall, Pirates capitalised on the moment to secure a place in the final. For Cardoso and his men, the challenge now is to shake off this disappointment and refocus on the competitions that remain within their grasp.
Related article: Miguel Cardoso Eyes MTN8 Semi-Final Battle with Orlando Pirates
