Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso alleges referee influence and heightens calls for VAR

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has once again called for the introduction of VAR, raising concerns about refereeing conduct after his side’s Nedbank Cup progress, while warning that continental focus must now take precedence.

The Portuguese mentor made the remarks following Sundowns’ 2-1 victory over Motsepe Foundation Championship side Gomora United on Wednesday night, a result that secured Masandawana’s place in the Nedbank Cup last 16 and kept alive their hopes of domestic silverware.

Cardoso, who has been vocal about officiating standards since arriving in South Africa, stopped short of naming specific clubs or individuals but claimed he had seen evidence suggesting questionable interaction with match officials.

“If we start introducing VAR in matches, things will improve because there will be no suspicious activities or individuals. Here in South Africa, it becomes very interesting when officials from certain teams visit referees on the morning of the matches – look out for that, because I saw a photo today,” said Cardoso.

“It’s important that we look out for that. It’s the first time I have seen officials from one team visiting the referee from that game at night. That happened recently – very recently, maybe yesterday.”

While his comments are likely to attract attention from league structures, Cardoso insisted his intention was to push South African football forward rather than inflame controversy. 

The Sundowns coach also returned to his wider concerns around the local football environment, urging stakeholders to contribute to meaningful progress.

“We need to create conditions to show that we are improving, and you [journalists] have a very important role to play in this: promoting the important side of the game, not the things that are not important, you should promote the right side of the game.”

Cardoso referenced lessons from European football, particularly his native Portugal, to underline his belief that technology and professionalism are no longer optional in the modern game.

Attention now shifts sharply to continental matters, with Sundowns preparing for a crucial CAF Champions League Group C trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo to face Saint-Éloi Lupopo. 

The Congolese side are already familiar to South African audiences after eliminating Orlando Pirates in the preliminary rounds.

Masandawana approach the fixture under pressure after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Al Hilal in Rwanda, a result that left them second in the group with five points from four matches. 

Al Hilal lead the standings on eight points, with two games remaining.

Having reached last season’s final, Sundowns know the margin for error is rapidly shrinking. 

The trip to Congo now represents more than just another group fixture — it is a defining test of their continental credentials, both on and off the pitch.