Mamelodi Sundowns endured a shaky start, crashing out of the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, fuelling doubts about Cardoso’s tenure.
Their struggles were compounded when Sundowns were also knocked out of the Nedbank Cup, raising further doubts about the team’s direction. However, the Tshwane giants have since rediscovered their rhythm, particularly in the league and the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns have now strung together six consecutive league victories, including a crucial win over title rivals Orlando Pirates, which has strengthened their position in the championship race.
Cardoso believes the squad’s improved attitude and commitment have been central to the turnaround.
“If you go back on those press conferences when we spoke about that, probably you’ll find the answers. What we got, we’re stronger, we got players that made us stronger,” said Cardoso.
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“We got a good attitude, collective, that is in the direction of the values we have in the locker room. And we are living them and expressing them every day. We are more committed than ever. We are more together than ever. We spread love more than ever. We train harder than ever.”
The Portuguese mentor also revealed the team’s hunger to keep improving after he received the Coach of the Month award for January and February.
“And today in the morning, the boys congratulated me for this Coach of the Month award for January and February. And I told them that what I want is the March one,” he added.
Despite the recent success, Cardoso warned that the team must remain focused, stressing that football can quickly change if standards drop.