CAFCL Final: Cardoso Defends Decision to Bench Bafana Bafana Star Against Pyramids

• Miguel Cardoso has defended his decision not to feature Themba Zwane in Mamelodi Sundowns draw against Pyramids FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final in South Africa
• The Betway Premiership champions suffered a late blow in the match after Walid El Karti scored a late goal to give the Egyptian side an advantage ahead of the second leg in Cairo
• The Portuguese tactician claimed there wouldn't be questions about the South African international's involvement in the match if they had held to the one goal lead they had through Lucas Ribeiro Costa

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has defended his decision to keep Themba Zwane on the bench during their 1-1 draw against Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League final first leg.

The Brazilians suffered a late blow at Loftus Versfeld Stadium after Lucas Ribeiro Costa initially gave them the lead.

Walid El Karti’s late equaliser in the 94th minute gave the visitors a good chance ahead of the second leg in Cairo.

Cardoso defends decision to bench Themba Zwane

Speaking to journalists after the match, Cardoso said he has to manage Zwane like any other player and explained why the Brazilians’ captain remained on the bench throughout the first leg.

“I have to manage Themba like all the other players. Everyone wanted to be part of this match, and the decisions we made were aimed at maintaining the team’s balance. We believed these were the best choices,” he said.

“Football can be beautiful or ugly. Just one or ten seconds in the last minute of the game changed how everyone viewed us and the decisions we made.

“If we hadn’t conceded that late goal, everyone would have praised the coach for keeping the team balanced and making the right choices. But we’re judged on results, and one play, one dangerous moment in the box changed everything.

“We conceded, and it shifted opinions. That’s the reality. We just have to stay focused, keep the players motivated, push hard for the second leg, and that’s it.”

Fans react as Cardoso defends his decision on Zwane

kalipile1 said:

"He's spot-on. Sundowns fans always think retrospectively."

Chainahcingo wrote:

"Guys I love Themba zwane but let's face it the game was to tactical for him. Same for maema. Such games need a person with speed and endurance."

Tlou Sugar added:

"I honestly think the coach is doing well without Themba Zwane, we are a big team and we can't rely on one player. We have depth. In the second leg we just need to play for a goal less draw then advance home. #KaboYellow"

billy_raccs reacted:

"Facts...the goal was a lapse of Concentration from our players especially Modiba and Morena, Modiba played so horrible yesterday. This is football, anyone can lose, just be happy with the progress."

Solani S Maluleke shared:

"Infact he got his sub and timing wrong. Why subs Matthew's in first half, just 5 minutes before halftime?. He should have waited until half time since it was still 0-0 balanced score."

Themba Zwane Names His Player of the Season

Briefly News previously reported that Themba Zwane has opened up on his pick for the Player of the Season in the 2024-25 Betway Premiership campaign.

The South African player surprised many by overlooking his fellow Bafana Bafana stars and instead choosing a teammate from his own club as the league’s best performer this season.

Source: Briefly News