Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Cardoso’s strong message to PSG, R133m windfall & transfers

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Latest Mamelodi Sundowns news, including Miguel Cardoso’s warning to FIFA Intercontinental Cup opponents and what they will earn from beating Al Ahili.

 

Has Miguel Cardoso warned PSG?

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso delivered a defiant message following his team’s impressive victory over Asian champions Al Ahli Saudi SC, declaring that while his side respects the game, they do not fear any opponent.

Miguel Cardoso savours the African Asian Pacific Cup glory.
Miguel Cardoso savours the African Asian Pacific Cup glory. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

The African champions clinched the 2026 FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup title with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon. A brilliant brace from Nuno Santos was enough to overcome the Saudi giants and secure the prestigious trophy for Masandawana.

This victory also propels Sundowns into the Challenger Cup final, where they will face the winner of the match between Mexico’s Toluca and the yet-to-be-determined CONMEBOL champions and if they win, they will face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Intercontinental final.

Tashreeq Matthews after Mamelodi Sundowns win over Al Ahli.
Tashreeq Matthews after Mamelodi Sundowns win over Al Ahli. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

In a post-match interview with SuperSport TV, the Portuguese coach clarified his bold statement, emphasising the need to play with self-belief and fight for every result, regardless of the opposition’s stature.

“Look, in this moment, let’s look at the sky and embrace our brother Jayden Adams,” he said. “It is so great that today he gave us the extra strength.”

“It’s important we respect the game, but we don’t respect no one. Don’t take me wrong. I mean playing, believing in us, respecting what’s happening on the pitch, and working hard when we have the ball. Be humble, but be proud to be yourself.”

Millions Sundowns will receive after Al Ahli win

Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate after winning the FIFA Afrian Asian Pacific Cup.
Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate after winning the FIFA Afrian Asian Pacific Cup. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

Meanwhile, Sundowns have translated their on-field success into a significant financial gain, pocketing approximately R133 million from two major international victories in just four months.

The club’s most substantial reward came in May when they were crowned CAF Champions League winners for the second time. The Brazilians secured the title with a 2-1 aggregate victory over AS FAR, following a 1-0 win at Loftus Versfeld and a 1-1 draw in Rabat.

This triumph came with a record-breaking $6 million (R98 million) prize from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which equates to roughly R98 million.

Nuno Santos
Nuno Santos of Mamelodi Sundowns

Sundowns added another major prize to their coffers on Saturday, defeating Al Ahli 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld to win the FIFA Intercontinental Cup’s African-Asian-Pacific playoff.

With this win, Sundowns have reportedly added another R35 million from FIFA to the R98 million earned from their Champions League campaign. The victory also ensures their progression to the next stage of the FIFA competition, where they will face either Toluca of Mexico or the eventual South American champions.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.