Mamelodi Sundowns new coach Miguel Cardoso wants to build his own legacy at the club and follow in the footsteps of Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena.
Cardoso was unveiled on Tuesday following the sacking of Manqoba Mngqithi and wants to hit the ground running given the high demands of his new employers who are keen to win in style.
The Portuguese tactician has explained his blueprint, highlighting how he plans to get his players producing positive results while winning trophies on multiple fronts.
“Obviously it’s clear that Mamelodi Sundowns, a club with 54 years history, representing Mamelodi reason, it’s already a club with a big heritage. Heritage is history but it’s [also] very important because it’s the point where we come from,” he said.
Cardoso knows what is expected of him
“We need to understand the roots of the club so that we understand the people and the expectations of the people and the identity of the club. I’m at a club with a huge identity and I will give my best not only to the happiness of the people but to represent them in the best way.
“To represent them is to go along with the objectives of the club, the values of the club. I’m a person of values, we discussed a lot of values and values also speak about the identity of the club.
“I had already the privilege to speak about it with the chairman, values like excellence, integrity and honesty will be the base of our work and will be in our heads at every moment.
Cardoso is keen to build a good understanding with his players to win their trust before he lays down the foundation for what he hopes will be a successful stint.
Will Sundowns new coach enjoy success?
“Regarding the relations we want to establish at the club, with everybody in general and also the players, and also with our fans and yourselves,” he added.
“I’m a man of the people, I like to connect with people, I’m a very humble and simple person but also at the same time I’m very demanding because I know what we need to do to win on a regular basis because that’s the demand we have – it is to win trophies, contribute to a new era of the club, contribute to the heritage that one day will be even bigger so that’s the objective.
“So that one day, and hopefully the day is very far, one day I will also be to remembered among great coaches Pitso Mosimane, like Rulani [Mokwena], like Steve Komphela, like Mr Manqoba, I also want to leave my name among you – first as a good person, second as a good coach and third as a winner. These are our objectives at this club.”
Sundowns host Moroccan champions Raja Casablanca in their next CAF Champions League match on Sunday December 15 when Cardoso hopes to take charge for the first time.
