Miguel Cardoso takes a jibe at Bucs following MTN8 semi-final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns - 'A team of Orlando Pirates just throwing long balls, aerial balls on the flanks'

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has laughed at Orlando Pirates despite Bucs beating the Premier Soccer League defending champions in the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday.

Both the first and the second leg ties ended in 1-1 draws, and in the end, Bucs progressed to the final after a successful mission in the penalty shootouts.

Cardoso has said that Pirates employed a long-ball playing style, and that is exactly what Sundowns expected from their rivals.

“I think we saw exactly what we expected, a team of Orlando Pirates just throwing long balls, aerial balls on the flanks. We had to control that game; I think we did. The only time we made a mistake was the goal from Pirates,” Cardoso told SuperSport.

“I just regret the opportunities we had; we could’ve scored. I think Sundowns is still not fresh; we are struggling. We have not had as long a time of preparation as Pirates have, and our players are not as reactive or as quick, and that will come," he added.

Pirates' goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was the hero in the game after denying Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende. Cardoso said the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper was the point of difference in the encounter.

“We knew that we had to pay that price, but well then, it’s the penalties; their goalkeeper was fantastic, and it’s the difference in the game. Very equal game; I think 1-1 is a fair result," he said.

"I think 1-1 was the fair result in the first game, a very equal game, and they did well on penalties. Victory to Pirates, I must say congratulations," Cardoso added.

Sundowns were humbled by Pirates in the post-match penalty shootout as the MTN8 defending champions progressed to the final courtesy of a 4-1 scoreline.

Sundowns were at the wheel after scoring an early opener, but Pirates fought back with an equalising goal by their fast-rising star, Kamogelo Sebelebele, in the second half. After a 1-1 draw in the regulation time, Bucs emerged as the winners from the resultant penalty kicks.

Pirates will now face Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final, set to be held on September 13.

The Tshwane giants will be up for a tough challenge in the league; they will tackle another Soweto giant, Kaizer Chiefs, on August 27.

This is a game that Cardoso must mastermind a win because if Sundowns lose, he will find himself at the receiving end of more criticism.