Cardoso seething after Nedbank Cup loss

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Miguel Cardoso, has called for the speedy introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology following their exit in the Nedbank Cup after narrowly losing 1-2 to Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Cardoso feels Chiefs’ winning goal, scored by substitute Ashley du Preez, should not have stood –  suggesting it was offside.

He came to the post-match conference with his phone to show members of the media how his side was knocked out of the competition.

“It’s obvious that the goal was offside. I think you all saw it; if you didn’t see it, go back to look at it because it’s clear,” he said.

“When we work in a country that doesn’t have VAR, that is what happens but just go back, take the images from TV and there’s a team that loses this competition from a mistake from the referee. I think we’re penalised enough through this season regarding the refs’ mistakes. I remember goals scored, in games we didn’t win away, Peter [Shalulile] scored more than one goal and today we are out of the competition, four minutes from the end with an offside goal. It is what it is, we need to stand up,” he added.

Reaction to his view is mixed on social media.

“Du Preez was not offside, Sundowns defense was a little slow. He was just slightly ahead, without any impact. Swilo saku saseka, nwana mani.” pic.twitter.com/1ddSBtRLOU

— Phillix M. Kokwele (@Matome_Kay) April 13, 2025

Call 10111 or go to the nearest police station.

We benefited and I have no shame. pic.twitter.com/49mWDR3KaA

— Khosi Nation Fan Tv (@KhosiNationFTV) April 13, 2025

The offside problem is now fixed, Sundowns lost the game fair and square. pic.twitter.com/gi1n9GdPR6

— Sir Cabonena Alfred (@Lebona_cabonena) April 14, 2025

Written by Ntsako Mkhari