Miguel Cardoso Addresses The Decision To Not Play Themba Zwane In The Final | Sbnews

Kaizer Chiefs surged into third place in the Betway Premiership standings following a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Durban City at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.

In a match defined by grit and tactical discipline, Gavin Hunt’s Durban City locked horns with the co-managed Kaizer Chiefs duo, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

Read: Miguel Cardoso gives update on Themba Zwane recovery

Both teams carved out opportunities in a cagey contest, but it was Flavio Silva’s late strike that ultimately broke the deadlock and proved decisive.

Chiefs started brightly, with Makabi Lilepo and Mfundo Vilakazi both testing Darren Keet early on, while City’s Mfanafuthi Mkhize fired narrowly over following a set piece.

The first half ended goalless despite half-chances at both ends, including a fine save by Keet from Vilakazi’s long-range effort just before the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion, with City pushing forward through Bokang Mokwena and Fezile Gcaba, while Chiefs gradually took control after a string of substitutions.

The introduction of Gaston Sirino added creativity, and the Uruguayan made an instant impact when his pinpoint cross found Silva in the 88th minute. The Portuguese striker rose highest to glance his header into the top corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures.

Durban City threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Letsie Koapeng forcing a fine save and Kyle Jurgens missing a late chance to equalise.

But Chiefs’ defence, marshalled by Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.

The victory lifts Chiefs to third in the standings on 19 points from 10 matches. Durban City, meanwhile, drop to fifth with 15 points from 11 games.

It was a reminder that Chiefs, despite their recent inconsistency, remain one of the Premiership’s most dangerous sides when it matters most.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has backed his decision to bench veteran midfielder Themba Zwane following his side’s 2-1 loss in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC.

Sundowns missed out on their second continental cup triumph, having won it in 2016; they were edged 3-2 on aggregate after they were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Zwane recently returned from a long-term injury, he was instrumental in the club’s equaliser against Al Ahly in the second leg semifinal match. He was an unused substitute in the first leg of the final, and Cardoso was asked about his decision. He said tactical balance took precedence.

“Themba, like every player, wants to be on the pitch. But our decisions were based on what we felt would maintain the right structure. We believed the team on the field could get the job done,” said Cardoso after the match.

The 35-year-old is known for his influence and calmness on the field, and many feel that his inclusion strikes fear into the opponents. He was also sidelined in the decider leg, and journalists questioned Cardoso about his decision.

The former Esperance coach dismissed the question, citing that it is not the time for pointing fingers at individuals and that all players qualify to play in the final.

“I totally understand what kind of answer you want or you are looking for, but it’s not the time to speak about individual performances of players. This group is very qualified, a lot of quality players, and obviously Themba is one of them,” he said after the match.

The Portuguese tactician also sent out a reminder that when he took over the reins, Downs were struggling and doubtful of qualifying for the knockout rounds.

“I just like to remind you that to get to the final, we played Al Ahly, who is still the first in the CAF ranking, we beat them in the semi-final. We played Esperance, that is second in the ranking of CAF, and when we arrived at the club, it was struggling to pass the group stage of the Champions League.

“We had an immediate tough game against Raja Casablanca in a very tough group, with ASFAR Rabat, and we were able to make the knockout stages,” he added.

Cardoso hailed the performance of his team despite coming up short, adding that they showed good attitude and commitment.

“Our players were able to show good commitment, a good attitude, and good quality. Guiding them to the final, as I said, I’m very proud. The feeling when you play a final and you don’t win is obviously bitter, disappointing,” Cardoso told journalists after the game.

“But as I said in the press conference before this match, the sensations that invade me are that I have a wonderful group of men in my locker room, and obviously, in this moment, they are suffering.”

The Brazilians will now shift their focus to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America, where they are in Group F with Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense, and Ulsan.

They will kickstart their campaign on 18 June against Ulsan.