Miguel Cardoso left fuming as Mamelodi Sundowns reclaim top spot in the Betway Premiership

The Portuguese tactician was left furious despite Masandawana cruising to a convincing 4-1 victory over Durban City at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday night.

Sundowns reclaimed top spot on the league standings with 26 points from 10 matches, moving one point ahead of Orlando Pirates following the Buccaneers' Soweto Derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs earlier in the day, with the Sea Robbers having played nine matches.

However, the result did little to ease Cardoso's frustration, with the coach insisting that referee Cedric Muvhali overlooked two penalty appeals, including a heavy challenge on striker Iqraam Rayners inside the box.

Cardoso also appeared to question whether the standard of officiating could undermine the competitiveness of the league, drawing comparisons with last season's campaign.

His frustration intensified during the post-match interview with SuperSport TV, and he described the occasion as another disappointing moment for South African football.

"Today (Saturday) is a day of a lot of emotions," he said.

"I will make my best effort to shut up and not speak too much. I think it is another dark night for South Africa, another dark afternoon for South Africa. Let people think whatever they want. There will be people who will sleep in a bad mood, for sure. Honest people who work hard.

"Even here today (Saturday), you should go and look at the penalties that were taken away from Sundowns. I don't want to speak too much. But whoever coaches, pray a little bit and end up thinking a little bit as well, together."

Cardoso then abruptly ended the interview and walked away, leaving the impressive victory overshadowed by his complaints about the match officials.