Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso believes a brutal fixture schedule has played a major role in derailing the club’s Betway Premiership title defence.
Masandawana suffered a damaging 3-2 defeat against TS Galaxy on Tuesday evening, a result that completely changed the complexion of the title race.
The loss means Sundowns no longer control their own destiny. They must now rely on Orlando Pirates dropping points in both their remaining fixtures against Durban City FC and Orbit College FC.
Speaking after the defeat, Cardoso pointed directly at the congested football calendar as the biggest reason behind his team’s recent struggles.
“It was the calendar that beat us,” Cardoso said. The Portuguese coach highlighted Sundowns’ incredible run of 11 consecutive victories since January before fatigue finally began catching up with the squad.
“After we played Esperance, we drew twice, and we lost today,” he explained.
Despite growing frustration among supporters, Cardoso passionately defended his players and urged fans to appreciate the sacrifices made throughout the season.
“These boys have been working all season very hard,” he said.
Cardoso also reminded supporters that Sundowns remained competitive across multiple competitions, including reaching the CAF Champions League final.
The coach admitted fans are hurting but insisted the bigger picture should not be ignored.
“They can criticise the coach, it’s not a problem for me, I have big shoulders,” he added.
“But look at the big picture, and let’s make a proper analysis when we finish everything.”
With the title race now hanging by a thread, Sundowns’ hopes of retaining their crown suddenly depend on their biggest rivals slipping up at the final hurdle.
However, their focus now turns to the CAF Champions League final first leg at Loftus Stadium on Saturday afternoon.