Cardoso issues emotional apology to Pirates after press conference blunder

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has issued an apology to Orlando Pirates after recent comments in which he mentioned the defending champions were not received well by a section of their fanbase.

Cardoso received a baptism of fire from Pirates supporters following his remarks about their club during a press conference after a Betway Premiership match against Milford FC in Tshwane last Wednesday. 

READ | OFFICIAL: Sundowns sign ex-Pirates star

Portuguese coach admits mistake over remarks

The Portuguese gaffer had said that the Buccaneers were amongst the teams that had lost to the Durban-based side whilst they were still competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season, as he tried to drive home the point about what a tough team they were.

However, the Soweto giants only lost to Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup last term.

"I made a mistake"

Cardoso clarified his comments following the league clash against Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, admitting he had erred.

"Sometimes people have a tendency to judge because we say something... and unfortunately, last week I made a mistake; I said Orlando Pirates had lost (against Milford). It was a mistake from my side," Cardoso clarified.

"I am sorry, it was not true. But indeed, Milford, they made a fantastic campaign last year."

"There is a family behind that"

The Sundowns coach then became emotional as he addressed the personal nature of the criticism directed at him, urging for respect by reminding the public that coaches have families who are affected by such attacks.

"So, immediately there was a lot of criticism of me because I made a mistake. I also have a good heart, I am part of a family, I have a huge boy that is a fantastic boy, huge with education, 24-year-old boy, just about to finish a master's in engineering. I have a wife, papa and mama, and also when things become personal, there is a family behind that is affected, and I think that is the respect that people need to have."

READ | Downs secure late win to leapfrog Pirates

Love over Hate

Cardoso ended with a philosophical message about unity, suggesting that despite the criticism, he remains committed to building a positive relationship with the South African football community.

"Until where is the border, I have already proved to South Africans that we can do things, beautiful things together; it's just a matter of letting things flow. Obviously, the direction is not always straight, but we know the sense we want to go to. Love will always unite us as much as the critics can try to tear us apart," he added.

Sundowns host Siwelele FC in a Betway Premiership encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday at 19:30.

Related tags

Betway Premiership Mamelodi Sundowns Masandawana Miguel Cardoso