Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has once again cited the taxing schedule as a contributing factor following their 3-2 defeat by TS Galaxy on Tuesday night, a result that hands Orlando Pirates a massive advantage in the title race.
The defending champions concluded their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign with a loss at Mbombela Stadium, finishing on 68 points. While Masandawana remain top of the log, their title defence is under threat from second-placed Pirates.
The Buccaneers, who boast a superior goal difference, sit three points behind Sundowns and could snatch the title with a win over Durban City FC on Saturday and a favourable result against Orbit College FC in their final match.
Sundowns now shift their focus to a two-legged CAF Champions League clash against AS FAR. Cardoso, who has frequently voiced concerns over the club’s gruelling schedule, attributed the Galaxy defeat to fatigue, stating his players no longer have the legs to compete.
MIGUEL CARDOSO RAISES CONCERN ON THE TAXING SCHEDULE FOR THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINALISTS
“Obviously, what we wanted was to finish today [Tuesday] in the best way by winning here, but it was an unfortunate match,” Cardoso told journalists.
“I know people will say that is an excuse, but I invite anyone to look at the calendar we’ve faced in the last 21 days. After playing Esperance [in the CAF Champions League], we played seven matches in 21 days; this is the fourth in a row on the third day. We are almost not sleeping at home.
“So obviously, I knew that the energy would not be high, but we had to be on top. But of course, we made mistakes that we cannot afford. In these last matches, due to fatigue, we certainly exposed ourselves and conceded goals that we never used to concede. It’s quite unfortunate,” he added.
The nature of the defeat was nothing short of extraordinary. This marked the first time since February 2008—nearly two decades ago—that Sundowns have conceded three or more goals in back-to-back league games, a feat previously recorded against Bidvest Wits and Moroka Swallows. The defensive fragility was evident from the whistle; it was only the 10th time in PSL history that the Brazilians have shipped two goals within the opening 18 minutes of a match. This comes after they let in four goals against Siwelele FC before the Galaxy tie.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS PLAYERS SUFFERING FROM THEIR HECTIC SCHEDULE
“With the legs that we have at the moment, obviously it’s emotionally very tough,” added Cardoso.
“Anyway, the boys showed great character. We knew that we didn’t have the legs, but we had the character to fight for it. I don’t think it’s exactly a fair result regarding what happened on the pitch, but it’s something we have nothing to point to.
“Now it’s time to look ahead. Let’s see in the future if someone has to play seven matches in 21 days and tries to deal with it. So I think we were not beaten by whoever but by the calendar.”
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