Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has voiced his disappointment over what he perceives as a lack of recognition for his contributions since joining the Pretoria-based club.
Despite the team’s imminent success in the Betway Premiership, Cardoso believes his work, both in lifting the team’s performances and setting new records, has not been fully acknowledged by the public or media.
The Brazilians are on the cusp of clinching the league title, needing just one point from their upcoming clash with Chippa United on Wednesday at Buffalo City Stadium in East London. Sundowns could also secure the title if Orlando Pirates drop points against Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.
After Sundowns’ dominant 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, Cardoso took the opportunity to highlight the team’s remarkable achievements under his stewardship.
“It’s important people recognise what we’ve done and what we’ve been doing in this league,” said Cardoso. “We’ve taken the team to a very high level. The team isn’t only playing fantastically, but we’re also breaking records after records.”
Cardoso, who took over from Manqoba Mngqithi earlier in the season, called for greater respect for the work he has done since assuming control. “When I arrived, there was suspicion about whether I would succeed,” he admitted. “Now, I’m asking for respect for the work we’ve been doing.”
While he voiced his own frustrations, Cardoso was quick to acknowledge that Mngqithi, who led Sundowns to the top of the table before his departure, also deserves credit for the team’s success this season.
“I don’t agree with people saying I arrived in the middle of the season,” Cardoso stated. “I arrived with only a third of the season played. With all due respect to Coach Manqoba and the work he did, it was important. It’s clear to everyone to see where we were and where we stand now.”
Cardoso was keen to make clear that the team’s strong position in the league when he took over should not be overlooked. “It was important to pick the team up from where they were when I arrived, and I give credit to Coach Manqoba for that,” he continued. “I told him personally when we played him.”
Since taking charge, Cardoso has overseen 16 wins in 19 Betway Premiership games, with two losses and one draw, a record that has played a huge part in Sundowns’ march to another league title. In addition to his domestic success, Cardoso has led Sundowns to the CAF Champions League final, where they will face Egypt’s Pyramids FC over two legs in Pretoria on May 24 and Cairo on June 1.
With the league title nearly secured and a continental final to look forward to, Cardoso’s achievements at Sundowns this season are undeniable, even if they have not yet been fully appreciated.