Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bennett Mnguni has delivered a critical assessment of coach Miguel Cardoso's tactics and team selection.
Mnguni questions why quality players like Peter Shalulile are being sidelined despite the team's inconsistent start to the season.
Even though Cardoso has his reasons for not selecting Shalulile, the Sundowns legend expressed particular frustration with Cardoso's handling of the striker. Mnguni also suggests the coach's approach has changed after his successful debut season at Chloorkop.
Read: Are Sundowns Paying The Price For Their Success?
Speaking to Soccer Laduma in an exclusive interview, Mnguni explains his views on team performance.
"You know I will just be straightforward with you. When Cardoso came we saw a different approach, and the way we see him now, I don't think it's the same. He is one of the coaches now that I don't really understand. There are players that are sitting on the bench. Some are sitting in the stands. Quality players that are supposed to be playing. I don't know why he is not playing them," Mnguni told the Siya crew.
The former Bafana Bafana midfielder was particularly critical of Shalulile's situation.
"When you look at Peter (Shalulile). Peter has done nothing wrong. Every time he comes in, he scores goals. He is working hard. Why is he not playing him? What's the problem? The poor boy is working hard for the team, but what has he done for him to not play? What's the problem? What is it that Shalulile should do? I really don't understand," Mnguni added.
After the match, Cardoso explained to the media that he doesn't reject players, and that he made this decision on Shalulile based on the type of opposition they were facing on the night. The coach explained how Shalulile thrives on the ''short spaces'' when the team is high up, indicating that the Namibian should play in such fixtures which fit his strengths.
Mnguni then questioned Cardoso's game management skills, particularly referencing the MTN8 semi-final loss to Orlando Pirates where Sundowns lost 4-1 on penalties.
"It was the same even when we were playing against Orlando Pirates. We don't know how to manage the game. There is a time when we led, and it's about 75 minutes in, you must know how to manage the game. How do we manage the game? Are we still open at the back. Are we still going with a striker? We can lose but we must lose playing better football the Sundowns way," Mnguni added.
After the game against Chiefs on Wednesday, Cardoso was asked about whether the draw has helped ease the pressure on the coach in terms of job security.
Read: SA Star Sparks Transfer Surge
"Next question, please. Next question. Don't joke with me, sir, please, " was the response from Cardoso, who was not impressed with the question.
The criticism comes as Cardoso faces pressure. With Sundowns' mixed start to the season - two draws and two wins in the league plus a semi-final MTN8 exit - the coach now faces scrutiny. What management chooses to do, by continuing to back their Portuguese tactician or not, could define Sundowns' trajectory for the remainder of the season.
@soccer_laduma #MiguelCardoso, coach of #MamelodiSundowns, addresses the absence of key players for the clash against #KaizerChiefs
