Cardoso came under fire from a section of the Pirates fanbase after making the remarks during a press conference following Sundowns' Betway Premiership victory over Milford FC in Tshwane last Wednesday.

The Portuguese coach had cited Pirates as one of the teams beaten by Milford while the Durban-based side were still competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, using the example to highlight just how difficult the newly promoted outfit could be.

However, Pirates did not lose to Milford last season. Their only defeat in the Nedbank Cup came against Casric Stars.

Speaking after Sundowns' 2-1 win over Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, Cardoso acknowledged his mistake and offered an apology.

"Sometimes people have a tendency to judge because we say something… and unfortunately, last week I made a mistake; I said Orlando Pirates had lost (against Milford). It was a mistake from my side," Cardoso told the media.

"I am sorry, it was not true. But indeed, Milford, they made a fantastic campaign last year."

The Sundowns mentor also opened up about the personal criticism he received following the error, becoming emotional as he appealed for greater respect towards coaches and their families.

"So, immediately there was a lot of criticism of me because I made a mistake. I also have a good heart, I am part of a family, I have a huge boy that is a fantastic boy, huge with education, 24-year-old boy, just about to finish a master's in engineering. I have a wife, papa and mama, and also when things become personal, there is a family behind that is affected, and I think that is the respect that people need to have."

Cardoso ended on a message of unity, saying he remains committed to building positive relationships within South African football despite the criticism.

"Until where is the border, I have already proved to South Africans that we can do things, beautiful things together; it's just a matter of letting things flow. Obviously, the direction is not always straight, but we know the sense we want to go to. Love will always unite us as much as the critics can try to tear us apart," he added.

Sundowns return to league action on Wednesday when they host Siwelele FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

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