Mamelodi Sundowns may be dominating the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings, but their aggressive approach on the field is making headlines for the wrong reasons. Believe it or not, the Brazilians have accumulated more disciplinary infractions than any other team in the league this season.
Sundowns Lead the PSL – in Cards!
Sundowns sit comfortably at the top of the PSL table with 45 points from 17 games, yet their disciplinary record is anything but clean. Referees have been busy cautioning the league leaders, showing them a staggering number of cards.
So far, a total of 538 yellow cards and 22 red cards have been handed out across the league. Shockingly, Sundowns top the red card tally with a whopping nine red cards, the most by any team this season.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Sundowns’ disciplinary record has seen a sharp rise compared to last season. Last campaign, they received only six red cards. However, with 13 matches still to play, they have already surpassed that number, accumulating nine reds and 33 yellow cards so far. This trend suggests they are likely to rack up even more as the season progresses.
The latest player to be sent off was Denis Onyango, who saw red deep into stoppage time during Sundowns’ 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants. His dismissal added to the growing list of Sundowns players who have received their marching orders this season.
What Coach Miguel Cardoso Had to Say
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed frustration over the number of red cards his team has received. Following the match against Marumo Gallants, Cardoso questioned the ease with which Sundowns players are being booked.
“The way the game finished wasn’t the best, in terms of dealing with [another] red card. The cards are becoming too easy to be given to our players. It has nothing to do with Marumo,”
Cardoso lamented.
He further argued that opposing teams deliberately slow the game down, frustrating Sundowns’ momentum, yet they don’t receive the same level of punishment.
“Teams against Sundowns always find moments to stop the game, to deal with moments where we are stronger, closer to scoring, and it happened again. It’s a way to manage the game. I can’t say anything.
But in those moments, I never see yellow cards for players wasting time, and then we saw Denis. He had to kick a ball in front, he received a yellow card, and then after that, it was an action for a second yellow and the red. I think the red cards for Sundowns are becoming cheap; they are coming out very easily.”
Sundowns’ Red Card Offenders
Here is a full list of Sundowns players who have seen red this season:
• Denis Onyango (2 red cards)
• Tashreeq Matthews
• Bathusi Aubaas (2 red cards)
• Aubrey Modiba
• Khuliso Mudau
• Divine Lunga
• Ronwen Williams
What Next for Sundowns?
With 13 games remaining, Sundowns must address their growing disciplinary concerns. While their attacking prowess and dominance in the league remain unquestioned, their inability to keep 11 men on the pitch could prove costly as they chase silverware.
Coach Cardoso and his technical team must find a way to keep their players disciplined without compromising their competitive edge. Whether the high number of red cards is due to refereeing decisions or aggressive play, one thing is clear – Sundowns must clean up their act if they want to maintain their dominance and avoid suspensions affecting their title charge.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Sundowns to see if they can curb their ill-discipline or if they will continue to be the PSL’s most penalized team.
