Sundowns coach Cardoso defends his style

Mamelodi Sundowns shocked the continent in November 2024. The Portuguese Miguel Cardoso replaced former coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

The former Esperance mentor had to hit the ground running — not only to deliver results, but also to maintain the Sundowns’ traditional shoeshine and piano style of football.

Despite winning the Betway Premiership and making the CAF Champions League final, Cardoso’s critics feel his football is too pragmatic and direct for Kabo Yellow.

MIGUEL CARDOSO EXPLAINS HIS STYLE OF PLAY

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*Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate a goal in the Nedbank Cup. Image: Goal*

“In the beginning, people were saying, ‘Ah, maybe coach Miguel’s style is not exactly Sundowns’ style’. That’s absolutely wrong,” Cardoso told the Sundowns Pitchside Podcast.

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“I was in Portugal for a long time, considered a coach who was too romantic in the way I think of the game. People like some more objectivity or direct game, or speed. They don’t like being under pressure in the build-up and still try to do it. And I was this kind of coach there.

“If people go back on my first professional work in Rio Ave, where we achieved a historically fifth finish [in the league]. That team was known not only for the results but also for the style of play it had.

“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’.

“So, there’s no conflict or whatsoever,” concluded Cardoso.