Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has had his say on Lucas Suarez’s costly error that gifted Kaizer Chiefs a goal on Sunday in the Nedbank Cup semi-final.
The Argentinian was at fault for Chiefs’ equaliser early in the second-half of the game that was staged at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria.
Wandile Duba intercepted a poor Suarez pass and slotted home to level terms. Amakhosi went on to score a late winner as they booked a spot in the final. They will face Orlando Pirates in the final on 10 May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
This was not the first time the South American defender has cost Masandawana this season. He was also unfortunate to slip in the Pirates game last month, which resulted in a goal. The Brazilians went on to lose that match 2-1 at FNB Stadium in the league.
MIGUEL CARDOSO ADDRESSES SUAREZ COSTLY ERROR
“Look, I don’t see things like that,” he said. He believes Suarez was a standout performer against Esperance in the away leg played in Tunisia.
“We came from a high-level match on Wednesday where Lucas made a wonderful performance. As you know, he was lined up on the CAF Champions League team of the week. So I think it’s not fair. Even against the Chiefs, he made one mistake, but he had a normal game.”
Cardoso praised the on-loan defender for coping “with the speed”.
“Tell me, a shot on the goal coming from play that was the structure from Chiefs. I don’t remember any, but maybe you do.
“I just ask you to be fair with the people, with the players, with myself, with the team, with the squad and the club. Analyse the things as they are. It’s your job to do it. Just pick the results. Look how it came from and don’t punish a player that doesn’t deserve.
“Obviously, he already has enough weight on his shoulder to carry that he doesn’t need to receive from you because the boy is doing his job and trying to make his best as everybody…”
RELATED STORY: Miguel Cardoso reacts to Chiefs’ controversial goal