The Sundowns mentor is approaching the end of his first full season in charge, and results have backed up his methods.
An eight-game winning run in the Betway Premiership and another CAF Champions League semi-final have strengthened his standing.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS PROGRESS UNDER CARDOSO
“Cardoso is moving according to the expectations of a club like Sundowns,” said fellow Portuguese coach Luís Gonçalves.
“He has been in two finals of the Champions League and now is in the semi-finals after having competed at the Club World Cup, so it shows there is plenty he is doing right with his work.”
Cardoso’s consistency has also been rewarded with two monthly PSL awards this season.
His influence is not just about results, but also identity.
Also read: Sundowns told they must reach Champions League final
PORTUGUESE INFLUENCE SHOWING
“I have always known him to be a coach who is clear with his ideas, and it is showing with his work at Sundowns.”
“From what I’m observing from a distance, Cardoso has taken Sundowns forward,” Gonçalves added.
“He has come to a club with demands because they spend money, but that is the kind of pressure that coaches like.
“It is about the methodology of tactical periodisation, which centres on playing according to how you train while imposing your game and dominating.”
With Sundowns still competing on multiple fronts, Cardoso’s impact could define their season.
