Mamelodi Sundowns capped off a commanding Betway Premiership campaign in style, securing a 2-0 win over Magesi FC on Sunday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The result not only underlined their dominance throughout the season but also showcased the club’s unwavering commitment to entertaining, attacking football—an identity that hasn’t gone unnoticed by assistant coach Miguel Cardoso.
Read: Mamelodi Sundowns conclude their championship-winning season with a strong win against Magesi
Speaking after the match, Cardoso described Sundowns as an “ambitious” club that prides itself on playing beautiful football. His comments reflect the broader philosophy embedded in the club’s DNA—one that blends results with an expressive, possession-based style that continues to capture the imagination of fans and pundits alike.
Although the Brazilians had already wrapped up the league title weeks earlier, they approached the fixture with the same intensity and professionalism that defined their season. Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro led the charge, netting both goals in the first half to secure all three points. His clinical finishing highlighted the depth of quality within the squad, even in a game that held no bearing on the standings.
The victory served as a final flourish to a historic season, reinforcing Sundowns’ reputation as South Africa’s premier football powerhouse. With continental aspirations now in full focus—particularly the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC—the club’s blend of ambition and artistry continues to set the benchmark on the African football landscape.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso, who hails from Portugal, dedicated the title-winning season to his players.
Cardoso, in his debut season at the helm, encouraged his side to “have fun” and “show character” ahead of the clash – words which clearly resonated as Sundowns dictated the tempo throughout.
“The smiles and the energy is obviously the sense of the job done let’s say,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.
“But at the same time, it’s an expression of the lads we have in the locker room, of the family we build of the energy we have among us that makes it be always ambitious, ambitious and ambitious.
“We needed to have a prove of character today and that’s what I asked the boys to do.
“To play beautiful game, make a result and enjoy, play with a smile, that’s what they did. Maybe they could’ve gone more with the goals but they enjoy to touch the ball that’s the nature of this club.
“It’s a nature of this team, that’s the quality of the boys and that’s also what I love so much.
“So, I’m another coach that is very pleased to be a Mamelodi Sundowns coach to represent all the Masandawana family.
“And to be head of this group of men that they are really a strong group of men otherwise they would not be champions for so many years in a row.”