Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has defended goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after his costly mistake against Siwelele FC.

Williams received a pass from Kegan Johannes in their own area but was caught out by Tebogo Potsane, who dispossessed him before he played the ball into the path of Vincent Pule to slot the ball into an empty net.

Sundowns fought back to earn a point against Siwelele after playing out to a 1-1 draw at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Cardoso has backed Williams and stated that he needs to be respected and not criticised after his mistake against the Bloemfontein outfit.

“I can comment, but that should not even be a reason to comment,” Cardoso said in the post-match press conference at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.

“We have a goalkeeper who was the best in Africa last year. We had a goalkeeper who this season was nominated for the best in Africa in the last three.

“He has been the national team goalkeeper for several years, and he doesn’t need any comments or negative appreciation. He needs respect, and that’s what I give to him.”