Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has responded to a question on why he left out his most experienced player, Themba Zwane, from both legs of the 2025 CAF Champions League final.
The Tshwane giants ultimately lost 3-2 on aggregate [2-1 in the second-leg] at the hands of Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
The first-leg in Pretoria had ended in a 1-1 draw, with a late Walid El Karti goal getting Pyramids a crucial away goal at Loftus Stadium. In Sunday’s decisive second-leg, Pyramids capitalised early in the first-half through Fiston Mayele, following a defensive error by Grant Kekana. They extended their lead in the 56th minute with a goal from Ahmed Samy.
While Iqraam Rayners pulled one back for Sundowns in the 75th minute, it proved to be not enough. This result means Cardoso has now overseen two consecutive CAF Champions League final losses.
When asked why he never considered the Bafana Bafana veteran midfielder, Zwane, Cardoso stated that the 2016 Champions League winners Sundowns have “too many quality players”. In the previous match, he had explained that the team required midfield balance, and he couldn’t risk introducing the player.
HOW CARDOSO RESPONDED TO THE THEMBA ZWANE QUESTION
“I totally understand what kind of answer you want or you’re looking for, but it’s not time to speak about individual performances of players,” Cardoso stated when asked by FARPost.
“This group is very qualified, a lot of quality players, and obviously Themba is one of them.”
Sundowns will now shift focus to their FIFA Club World Cup campaign that roars to life on June 18 in the United States. They have been drawn alongside Ulsan HD of Korea, German football giants Borussia Dortmund, and Fluminense from Brazil in Group F. In their opening match, they will face Ulsan HD.
RELATED STORY: Cardoso reflects on 2nd consecutive Champions League final heartbreak