Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was left fuming at match officials after his side's 4-1 victory over Durban City FC on Saturday night. The win at Royal Bafokeng Stadium sent Sundowns back to the top of the Betway Premiership, but the post-match focus was on the referee's performance. This latest defeat, following a 2-0 loss to Stellenbosch just three days earlier, means Durban City have now lost their last two matches.

Cardoso pointed to two penalty claims that were turned down by official Cedric Muvhali. "Today is a day of a lot of emotions," Cardoso said. "I will make my best efforts to shut up and not speak too much." He later added a pointed remark, suggesting those involved should "pray a little bit and think a little bit" before sleeping.

Sundowns dominate on the pitch

On the field, Sundowns were dominant. Thabang Matuludi opened the scoring in the 34th minute and added a second just after the hour mark. Iqraam Rayners and Antonio van Wyk netted late goals to complete the rout. Durban City's sole reply came from Jean Lwamba with four minutes of normal time remaining.

The result leaves Durban City in a concerning 13th place in the Premier Soccer League with just seven points from nine matches, having managed only one win and four draws. They have conceded 11 goals while scoring only six, giving them a goal difference of minus five, and now sit a massive 19 points behind the new leaders, Sundowns. Eric Tinkler's side has lost its last two league games and faces a quick turnaround with an away trip to 12th-placed TS Galaxy on Wednesday 4 November. The team's recent form of two wins and three losses in their last five highlights their inconsistency this season. Their last five results, in order, were a 4-1 loss to Sundowns, a 2-0 loss to Stellenbosch, a 3-0 win over ASPL 2000, a 3-1 win over ASPL 2000, and a 2-1 loss to Amazulu.

Background and full detail: Vodacom Soccer

Durban City FC confirmed the 4-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on 2026-10-31. The club's match report detailed early defensive actions, including a sharp save from Frederick Asare in the 10th minute. Ethan Brooks missed a good chance in the 25th minute before Thabang Matuludi's 34th-minute header, assisted by Marcelo Allende, opened the scoring. The loss extends Durban City's recent form to two defeats in their last five matches.

On 2026-11-03, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso expanded on his criticism of the officiating, telling reporters, "I think it’s another dark night for South Africa." He also suggested the title race could be predictable, stating, "if the league is played like we saw today... We’ll have a league like last year." Durban City, now 13th with 7 points from 9 games, have lost their last two matches, including the 4-1 defeat to Sundowns where Thabang Matuludi scored twice.

On 2026-11-03, Sundowns' official match report confirmed the assists for their 4-1 win. The club stated Marcelo Allende set up Thabang Matuludi's 34th-minute opener, while Aubrey Modiba provided the cross for Matuludi's second on 66 minutes. Siyanda Ndlovu assisted Iqraam Rayners' 79th-minute strike. This defeat, Durban City's second consecutive loss, leaves them 13th in the Betway Premiership with 7 points from 9 games.