Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has hit out the decision to schedule their Nedbank Cup quarter-final just days before their CAF Champions League quarter-final.
The Brazilians needed a late strike from substitute Jayden Adams to secure a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune in extra-time on Friday.
Sundowns will now have to switch attention to their Champions League quarter-final first-leg against Esperance.
Read: Sundowns To Meet Chiefs In Nedbank Cup Semi-Finals
"First of all, we should clearly understand what we're doing here today. This match should not have been played today and it's important that people that are responsible in South Africa for football understand that the clubs defend their country," Cardoso told SuperSport TV.
"At the moment, we are playing football and there's a team that we're going to play Tuesday that's preparing themselves, resting and having the players in proper conditions to play the next game that's the Champions League match.
"We should not be here today and at the same time it's the third time we score legal goals that are not given, we scored a goal in the 90th minute, it's a clear, clear goal and again we are punished by a bad decision. It's important that people that are in charge of football take responsibility.
"I think that Mamelodi Sundowns for many years have been defending South African football very well abroad and in the country, and that should be taken into consideration and respected.".
When asked about preparations for Esperance, he added, "Well, after what happened today, I think what we need to see who is able to play in the best conditions. I repeat we shouldn't have played the match today. It's not normal to play this match.
"In Tunisia, the people protect the team that play in the Champions League and Confederation Cup and it's a long time they're waiting for the next match. They're travelling safe, in peace, preparing themselves and we're playing football thank you very much," he concluded.
