Cardoso Hits Back at Sundowns Supporters Over Matthews Criticism
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has come to Tashreeq Matthews’ defence after the winger once again found himself under scrutiny from sections of the club’s supporters.
Matthews answered his critics on Wednesday night with a standout performance, earning the Player of the Match award as Sundowns cruised to a 5-2 victory over AmaZulu.
The winger showed determination throughout the match, offering an attacking threat and helping Sundowns secure another convincing result.
Yet despite the performance, Matthews remains one of the players who regularly attracts criticism from the club’s fan base.
Cardoso, however, has rejected suggestions that the player receives preferential treatment at Chloorkop.
The Portuguese coach insisted that his decisions are based on performances, with players earning their places through their work on the training ground.
“The boys need love, just like Tashreeq. He is one of the most criticised players at this club, but he is doing things well and grew throughout the season,” Cardoso said.
Cardoso: Matthews Does Not Receive Special Treatment
Cardoso was particularly dismissive of claims that he has a special relationship with Matthews that influences his selection decisions.
“I’m not the father of Tashreeq, as people say. No. I deal with performance,” he said.
According to the Sundowns coach, Matthews has been selected because his performances in training have warranted opportunities.
“He was consistent in showing during training sessions that he deserved to play. And he played. When he doesn’t show good performances, he stays out,” Cardoso explained.
The coach pointed to Matthews’ recent omission from the team as evidence that selection is not guaranteed.
Cardoso said the winger had been left out because his performances during preparations had not reached the required level.
“Recently, he stayed out because he wasn’t strong during preparations. Now he has come back, maybe fresher, and that is why he’s performing,” he said.
Matthews’ Missed Chances Still Haunt Him
While Cardoso praised Matthews’ progress, he acknowledged that the winger has endured difficult moments in front of goal.
Matthews came under scrutiny after missing notable opportunities at the FIFA Club World Cup and during Sundowns’ CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC last season.
For Cardoso, however, those misses should not define the player.
The coach urged supporters to consider Matthews’ overall contribution rather than judging him solely on the chances he fails to convert.
“Tashreeq is criticised too much, and sometimes he tries too hard because he wants to do well,” Cardoso said.
The coach admitted that there were moments when Matthews could have made a bigger impact on the scoresheet.
“I know in the FIFA Club World Cup there’s a goal he could have scored, and in the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC last season he could have scored, but it’s not about the ones he missed, it’s about the ones he scores,” Cardoso concluded.
A Strong Response on a Big Night for Matthews
Matthews’ Player of the Match display against AmaZulu could therefore prove significant as he attempts to build consistency and silence some of the criticism surrounding his performances.
For Cardoso, the message is equally clear. Matthews will continue to be judged by what he produces on the pitch and in training, rather than by perceptions about favouritism.
With Sundowns continuing their campaign, the pressure will remain on Matthews to turn performances such as Wednesday’s into a sustained run of form.
For now, Cardoso appears determined to give his winger backing while maintaining that no player at Chloorkop is guaranteed a place in the starting XI.
