GOAL gives you all the details to follow the Brazilians' cup fixture at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi against Abafana Bes'thende. The Pretoria club will need to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg if they are to put five years of heartbreak in the Wafa Wafa tournament behind them.
Abafana Bes'thende stand on the precipice of a historic cup final as they prepare to defend their slender lead against the Chloorkop-based outfit. After a stunning first-leg victory, the Durban-based side holds all the cards, but the looming threat of a wounded Tshwane giant ensures the second leg will be a high-stakes tactical battle.
The Brazilians’ defeat to Golden Arrows left a sour taste among the Masandawana faithful, particularly after dropping points on home soil. The result prompted sections of the support base to question the Portuguese coach's tactics and selection, with some fans feeling the 54-year-old did not field his strongest possible XI and therefore lacked a clear intent to take control of the tie. Cardoso, however, has addressed the criticism, suggesting that the supporters need to show more faith and trust in the reigning African champions as they look to overturn the deficit in the second leg.
Masandawana coach has come out in defence of the 25-year-old, rejecting suggestions that the winger receives preferential treatment in his starting line-up. The Portuguese tactician insisted that every selection decision is based strictly on training-ground performances rather than personal relationships.
The Brazilians' mentor has launched a scathing attack on the standard of officiating in the Premier Soccer League, claiming his side is being unfairly targeted by referees. The Portuguese tactician expressed his disbelief at the high volume of cautions handed to his players despite their dominant, possession-based style of play.
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