Cardoso Demands Protection For Mokoena After Uncarded Tackle, Renews VAR Call

Miguel Cardoso wants South African referees to do more to protect his players, after Teboho Mokoena was hurt by a tackle that went unpunished.

Mokoena picked up an ankle injury in Mamelodi Sundowns' MTN8 win over Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on August 8, which ruled him out of Sundowns' Betway Premiership opener against TS Galaxy. Sundowns won both matches 3-2, with the league game settled by a late brace from substitute Sphelele Mkhulise, according to TimesLive.

Referee Philangenkosi Khumalo did not book Polokwane City's Surprise Mathonsi for the challenge that injured Mokoena, a decision Cardoso challenged directly after the win over Galaxy.

"South Africa must understand we have to protect our players," Cardoso told TimesLive. He pointed to Mokoena's role for Bafana Bafana at this year's World Cup, arguing the midfielder deserved better protection on his return to domestic football.

Mokoena is now a doubt for Saturday's clash with Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium, a game both sides enter with perfect starts to the season, Afrik-Foot reported.

Cardoso also revisited Sundowns' disciplinary record from last season to back his argument. The club picked up 53 yellow cards, behind only the division's highest total of 58, and roughly double the tally of champions Orlando Pirates. Sundowns were shown four red cards across the campaign; Pirates received none, Cardoso said.

He renewed his push for the introduction of VAR, which South Africa's top flight still doesn't use. Morocco, Egypt, Mauritania, Algeria, Ivory Coast and Tunisia already have it, he noted, with Benin and Ghana beginning trials.

Sundowns face Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.