Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has spoken out against what he calls “wrong” claims made during the early stages of his tenure.
Taking over for the sacked Manqoba Mngqithi in December, Cardoso inherited a team that had a shaky start to the season.
He faced immediate pressure and criticism from those who believed his coaching philosophy would be at odds with the club's “shoeshine and piano” style of possession-based football.
CARDOSO SAYS THERE’S NO CONFLICT BETWEEN HIS PHILOSOPHY AND SUNDOWNS’ STYLE OF PLAY
In a recent interview with Sundowns’ Pitchside Podcast, Cardoso firmly stated that there has “no conflict or whatsoever” with his and Sundowns' philosophies. He explained that his entire coaching career has been defined by this “romantic” style of play.
“If people go back on my first professional work in Rio Ave where we achieved a historically fifth finish, that team was known not only about the results but also the style of play it had,” he explained.
“If you go back there, watch that team playing, you’ll be like, ‘Wow Miguel Cardoso has a lot to do with our [Sundowns] way of playing’.”
Under Cardoso's leadership, the team's performances on the pitch proved the critics wrong.
He guided the Brazilians to an eighth Betway Premiership title and a CAF Champions League final. Furthermore, the club's commitment to their style of play earned them praise on the world stage during the FIFA Club World Cup, where they dominated possession in their group stage matches.
Masandawana will open their 2025/26 campaign with an MTN quarterfinal clash against Richards Bay FC on Sunday afternoon.
