Unhappy Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso 'saw things that I don't want to even speak about' but Manqoba Mngqithi adamant Golden Arrows 'showed up'

Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by Golden Arrows in the Premier Soccer League game staged at Mpumalanga Stadium.

The hosts scored first through Keenan Phillips but Masandawana responded courtesy of Lucas Ribeiro.

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi was happy with the attitude shown by his players. The former Sundowns coach had taken over the reins only a few days before the match but was able to instill his philosophy.

“I would not be too sure whether a draw is a true reflection of the game,” the 53-year-old said.

“The only thing I know is we showed up, we gave our best shot. We got some nice breaks at the end which could’ve decided the result.

“But unfortunately the decision-making, the technique, and all those things [let us down].

“To be honest, I think we gave a very good contest to the spectators. I’m sure the supporters enjoyed a game good of football and for me, that’s what matters the most," he concluded.

Coach Miguel Cardoso was unhappy with what he felt was poor officiating that denied the defending champions maximum points.

"I should congratulate my players because they didn't make a very good first half, but they made a very good second half; I think it was more than fair that we took the three points today," the former Esperance coach stated.

"I think we scored more than enough goals to win the match, as it was clear for everybody for sure, so we saw two teams working hard and we saw one team that was not on the level of the game.

"I think it's important to understand that the level of a league like this should also have [a similar] level from all the teams, unfortunately we saw things that I don't want to even speak about.

",Well, congratulations to my players, they made a good game, a very good second half, in terms of battling for the result, unfortunately we could not get it.

"Let's rest and continue to move forward in order to be as best as possible in the next matches."

Cardoso was happy with what he has seen from defender Lucas Suarez who has settled fast after signing a six-month loan contract with the club.

“It’s a question of administration, of Mr. Flemming Berg and the chairman [Tlhopie Motsepe]. He is a player that is showing his value. We trust him like all the others. Good players are players you’d like to keep. Let’s hope it’s a business that is possible. Let’s hope so," he concluded.

The next assignment for Sundowns will be in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final on Saturday against Sekhukhune United at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.

Mngqithi has time to work on his team before Wednesday's game with Polokwane City in the PSL.