Mamelodi Sundowns new coach Miguel Cardoso has conceded settling at Mamelodi Sundowns has not been seamless.
The 52-year-old was confirmed as the new coach at the club, succeeding Manqoba Mngqithi who was fired after an inconsistent run to the 2024/25 campaign across all competitions. He was let go alongside Romain Folz, but Steve Mngqithi and Kennedy Mweene were retained.
With a massive Group B game in the Caf Champions League – against Raja Casablanca, coming on Sunday, Cardoso has not had enough time to settle.
The former Esperance coach is aware of the demands of the management meaning he can't start his reign on a low note since that can put him under unnecessary pressure.
We have to get players out of the comfort zone
“So we had to pick the team from the point where it was, sharpen it, and polish it,” the Portuguese stated.
“In order to get what we are trying to mold. But starting with getting players out of their comfort zone, so that as a team we can grow. So each of them can express their best.”
Cardoso has further revealed how committed he has been to ensuring he delivers instantly, “Regarding my week. What a week, not a lot of time. [On Friday] I received a message from my brother he said I know you don't have time, know you didn't forget about me – when you have time we will talk.
I left the training center at 9 pm, I left every time under the rain. Would go to dinner and still work afterward, but I am excited about that, that is what we love and that is what drives us. We have an opponent that has value, they play in a tough competition. We have to analyze details that we can gain from, we just need to polish the technical side of the game.”
I have an idea about Sundowns
Last season, Mamelodi Sundowns played Esperance in the semi-final of the Caf Champions League.
Cardoso was in charge of the North African side that claimed a 1-0 win at home and an identical 1-0 win away to eliminate the then Rulani-Mokwena-led Masandawana.
He has now conceded the research he did about the players has come in handy, “Obviously I knew the players, and have tried to study them even more. Also, I have an idea about the team. I am happy that we have a very strong group of players when someone falls, we then have someone to step up.
“We need that attitude and fluidity even in the game, we want to impose ourselves. The team that imposes, is the team that wants to win the game. We have to be offensive and be aggressive,” he concluded.
Sundowns have two points in their pool and have to give their best to secure their first win to avoid a possible elimination in the phase.
