Fresh off clinching their eighth consecutive South African topflight title, Mamelodi Sundowns are setting their sights on an even bigger stage — the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final.
In a surprising admission, head coach Miguel Cardoso revealed that despite the looming continental showdown, his full attention had been on wrapping up domestic duties.
“I will start thinking about it now, yeah, I will,” Cardoso said, catching many off guard with his candid response.
With the league trophy secured, Masandawana are now turning the page — and preparing to write the next chapter of their historic season on Africa’s biggest football stage.
Read: Mamelodi Sundowns edge Orlando Pirates to claim eight straight PSL title
The Brazilians’ ran out 3-0 away winners gainst Chippa United on Wednesday, a result that mathematically confirmed their Betway Premiership triumph with a game to spare. That being said, their upcoming league fixture against Magesi on Sunday will not be taken lightly.
“It doesn’t mean that we will not prepare to win our next match (against Magesi on Sunay). Of course, we will, because Magesi has been doing well in their last games, so we need for sure to take care of them, because we want to finish the league in the best way in front of our fans, but myself, I will now obviously start planning for Pyramids,” Cardoso added.
Sundowns are scheduled to conclude their domestic league campaign against Magesi at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria before hosting Pyramids in the first leg of the Champions League final on May 24th. The decisive return leg is slated for June 1st in Cairo.
Cardoso acknowledged the ongoing background work regarding their opponents, stating, “I know that my people are working on it because that’s the way we prepare, the way they are working also on the World Cup. But about the World Cup, I don’t worry at all, but now I have time to start watching something about Pyramids. But let’s keep an eye on ourselves because that’s also the most important thing for sure.”
Reflecting on the championship victory, Cardoso described it as a deeply rewarding experience, particularly after witnessing his team’s commanding three-goal victories in their last three matches, the latest propelled by goals from Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales.
“A great feeling, great emotions, great feelings, great sensations. We’ve gone through a lot of wonderful emotions, which have brought to the team the feelings that we needed. I think that the values that we developed in the locker room, the way we overcame the worst moments, and we really developed a good sense of love, of brotherhood, among us,” he said.
“The spirit in the changeroom has been a wonderful pleasure to experience in these last months. I think that when I arrived obviously, it was clear that there was something that needed to change, mostly the energy. It had nothing to do with the work of the previous coaches, who I respect so much, because it was not a matter of results, it was really a matter of the atmosphere.
“We invested a lot in the relationships (with the players), because football is not only the way you touch the ball, but also the way you connect among yourselves.
“I think that was the key; the ambiance, the spirit. It has been a wonderful experience to be in South Africa.”
Cardoso also touched upon the transformation he aimed to implement since his arrival in December, succeeding Manqoba Mngqithi. “It has been a wonderful experience to be at Mamelodi Sundowns and a wonderful experience to work with this group of players. To feel the love of the fans, the way (South Africans) embrace football is a wonderful experience.
But it has also been hard, very hard working, but the energy that we receive (in return) also pushed us so much forward pushes that we always felt excited to wake up and go to work. I really feel always excited to go to work, so that’s how you overcome difficulties,” he concluded.