Miguel Cardoso’s relentless criticism of South African football is becoming disrespectful

Miguel Cardoso is entitled to his opinion. He leads Mamelodi Sundowns’ technical team for a reason. But his persistent criticism of South African football is beginning to border on disrespect and ingratitude. He must stop.

Cardoso delivered a 25-minute rant about the poor state of top-flight football in the Premier Soccer League after Sundowns’ 2-1 win over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night.

In doing so, he came close to suggesting the league is poorly administered – a claim that would disregard decades of work that have built it into the multimillion-rand product it is today.

The Portuguese coach criticised the PSL, the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the allegiance of supporters, and the poor state of pitch conditions across the country.

Granted, some of those points are valid. The PSL could do more to support teams competing on the continent, while the South African Football Association (Safa), the league, and other stakeholders could accelerate the rollout of VAR. But it was Cardoso’s tone and reasoning that struck a nerve.

Since arriving in the country in late 2024, Cardoso has consistently compared the PSL to European leagues, including Portugal’s top division. At first, it seemed he simply wanted the best for the local game.

But for someone who has been in the country for nearly a year and a half, one would expect him to have adapted by now and realised that PSL administrators are doing their best to grow the league. Progress cannot happen overnight.

Yet here we are, listening to someone who walks into another person’s house seeking opportunity, only to repeatedly fire off criticism.

The PSL schedule has always been complex, largely due to logistics for teams travelling domestically and across Africa. If there were easier ways to ease the burden on clubs competing on the continent, the league would surely consider them – as it already does.

Football supporters generally fall into two groups: fanatics and neutrals. The so-called big three – Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs – each have massive fan bases, and that rivalry is what defines South African football.

While the competition is fierce, the banter and trolling – both in person and online – remain part of the culture. That is why the famous Soweto derby can still be played in a largely peaceful atmosphere, with supporters sharing the same stands.

Because fans choose which club to support and spend their own money doing so, it is inappropriate for a coach to ask rival supporters to back his team – unless that coach is Hugo Broos speaking on behalf of the national team.

Yes, greater continental success can benefit the national team. But that does not mean Sundowns’ rivals must rally behind them. The club must carry the country’s pride on its own.

If Cardoso were coaching FC Porto in Portugal, would he ask supporters of SL Benfica or Sporting CP to back them in the UEFA Champions League?

Or has anyone ever heard a FC Barcelona coach asking Real Madrid fans to support them in a Champions League final?

VAR is certainly needed in the PSL. But by now Cardoso should understand that its implementation depends largely on Safa – and that financial constraints have slowed the process.

It is unclear whether he appreciates that reality. At one point, he even suggested locals should decide whether they want to be part of the league, as he does not see himself in that way.

As if that were not enough, he claimed: “The president called me and wants me to speak at the biggest football congress we will have in Portugal. He told me to explain the reality of South African football.”

Cardoso then asked the media: “So what should I say? Should I paint a perfect picture for Portugal? If I tell the truth, people will say it’s impossible.”

That statement alone made it seem as if Cardoso believes he is doing the country a favour by coaching here – forgetting that he remains at the club largely because his players continue to deliver when it matters most.

So here is my advice to him: stop!

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch