Miguel Cardoso defends his selection of Tashreeq Matthews saying he is not the Mamelodi Sundowns player's father

Miguel Cardoso has come to defend his continued selection of Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Tashreeq Matthews.

Morris has been on the receiving end of criticism from the club's supporters and calling for the coach to sideline him.

But after the seven goal thriller against AmaZulu last night at Loftus Versveld, Cardoso defended the former Borussia Dortmund player.

"Tashreeq is one of the most criticised players in this club but he’s doing things well,” said Cardoso after the 5-2 Betway Premiership triumph.

“Tashreeq grew throughout the season. I’m not the father of Tashreeq as people keep saying – ‘ah, the coach just puts him on’. No, no, no! I deal with performance.

“He was consistent in showing in training sessions that he deserved to play. And he played, when he doesn’t show he stayed out. Last match, he stayed because he was not strong enough during the preparation, so he stayed out."