Since his arrival in December, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has been a man on a mission—and he’s not mincing his words. Taking over from Manqoba Mngqithi after a shaky start to the season, the Portuguese tactician has turned Sundowns into an unstoppable machine, both locally and on the continent.
Sundowns Dominate, But Recognition Falls Short
Under Cardoso’s leadership, Sundowns lifted their eighth straight DStv Premiership title and booked a spot in the CAF Champions League final against Egypt’s Pyramids FC. Despite these massive achievements, the coach believes the Tshwane giants are still flying under the radar when it comes to the respect they deserve.
“I understand that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have massive followings,” Cardoso told MSW, as reported by FARPost. “But what this club has done to represent South African football—both at home and in Africa—deserves a lot more credit.”
The Most Successful, Yet Still Overlooked
While headlines continue to focus on Chiefs and Pirates due to their popularity and history, Cardoso says it’s Sundowns who have actually carried the national flag with consistency and pride.
“When a club dominates the league for so many years and consistently performs on the continent, that group of players deserves respect. And honestly, I don’t think they’re getting it,” he said.
Although he’s new to South African football, it didn’t take long for Cardoso to notice the imbalance. “I may be new here, but it’s obvious to me—this team’s achievements aren’t being fully recognised.”
Sundowns at the Core of Bafana Bafana
Cardoso also took a moment to highlight the role Sundowns players play in the national setup, with many of them forming the backbone of Bafana Bafana’s recent resurgence.
“It fills me with pride to see how many Sundowns players are being selected for the national team. That says something about the quality and consistency we bring,” he said.
Awards Should Reflect the Reality
The coach didn’t hold back when addressing the upcoming PSL awards, stating that Sundowns’ dominance should be reflected across individual and team accolades.
“I hope that the league awards go to Mamelodi Sundowns players. The stats, the silverware, and the performances all back that up,” he insisted.
Cardoso’s message is loud and clear—Sundowns aren’t just winning titles; they’re reshaping South African football’s identity. Now, the coach is calling on the football community to give credit where it’s due.
