Miguel Cardoso has to be third-time lucky in the CAF Champions League final this season. He has earned his stripes and deserves his ultimate reward.
Cardoso has brought nothing but pride to Mamelodi Sundowns and much of the football fraternity in the country after inspiring the team to the CAF Champions League final on Saturday afternoon in Pretoria.
A Memorable Semi-Final Triumph
It was a memorable occasion – after beating Espérance de Tunis 1-0 in the semi-final second leg in Pretoria to seal a 2-0 aggregate win, following a 1-0 victory in the first leg in Tunis – that emotional Cardoso duly described it as “one of the best nights of my life” in the post-match press conference.
“For the Portuguese coaches who followed me, it’s not only a second but a third final in a row. I think that’s a memorable milestone – something that was once a dream and became an objective when we came to Africa,” Cardoso said in Pretoria.
“In terms of satisfaction, I believe this will be one of the best nights of my life because I will be at peace.”
That was an understandable reflection. While Cardoso has reached and lost the last two finals – with Esperance and Sundowns – this campaign tops them all. It has not only vindicated his coaching prowess, but also his strong mentality.
Joining Elite Company
Cardoso became only the third coach on the continent, alongside his Sundowns predecessor Pitso Mosimane and legendary Al Ahly coach Manuel José, to reach three consecutive CAF Champions League finals. Mosimane achieved his milestone at Al Ahly.
Given that Mosimane won his maiden title with Sundowns 10 years ago – the one Cardoso is eager to add – and his next two with Al Ahly, Cardoso is still some distance from that level, but he has done what Mosimane’s understudies could not.
Where Others Fell Short
Both as co-coaches and individuals, Rhulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi failed to follow in Mosimane’s footsteps, despite being part of the technical team when Sundowns beat Zamalek SC in the 2016 final.
Mokwena endured the harsher outcome. In his full season as head coach, he fell short in the semi-final, losing 2-0 on aggregate to Esperance of Cardoso after narrow 1-0 defeats in Tunisia and Pretoria.
Cardoso also made his mark last season, replacing Mngqithi amid a below-par group-stage showing and guiding Sundowns to the final, where they finished runners-up to Pyramids FC.
Adapting To The African Battlefield
Given all that, Cardoso has shown noticeable progress since Mosimane’s triumph in 2016, and for that he deserves plaudits. What stands out is that he has done things on his own terms, adapting to the demands of African competition.
Africa is a tough environment, often requiring teams to balance quality with resilience. While Mokwena and Mngqithi largely stuck to the traditional “Sundowns way,” Cardoso has focused on what is necessary: matching intensity, showing aggression, and finding decisive breakthroughs.
Tactical Evolution And Key Changes
The departure of Lucas Ribeiro Costa, the team’s playmaker last season, proved a turning point that tested Cardoso’s tactical approach. He had to either find a like-for-like replacement or maximise the squad’s depth.
Enter Nuno Santos. While regarded as Ribeiro’s successor, he has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency and chemistry with teammates. That forced Cardoso to adjust again, opting for a more direct attacking focal point.
Brayan León, who arrived in January, has filled that role effectively. He has scored five Champions League goals, including decisive strikes in both legs of the semi-final.
Results Over Aesthetics
Cardoso’s reliance on a target man has not pleased everyone, particularly some Masandawana supporters and club legends. Critics argue that he has moved away from the club’s famed “Shoe Shine and Piano” style in favour of results.
As a result, few backed him to reach this stage, with rumours earlier in the year suggesting Mosimane could return. Instead, Cardoso has shown resilience, maintaining results while gradually improving performances.
The belief, camaraderie, and determination within the squad are now evident. The football may not always be aesthetically pleasing, but the results continue to deliver.
Domestic Dominance And Added Pressure
Cardoso now stands on the brink of a remarkable double, with Sundowns also closing in on a record-extending ninth consecutive Betway Premiership title.
It has not come without challenges. Cardoso has expressed frustration at the lack of domestic fixture flexibility, arguing that continental commitments should be prioritised.
Critics, however, point to the club’s depth and resources, suggesting he has little reason to complain. The debate remains open, but Cardoso’s focus has been clear.
Impact Beyond The Club
That argument carries weight.
While Sundowns will earn plaudits for their domestic and continental success, the broader beneficiaries are the South Africa national team, Bafana Bafana. The national side has regained belief, securing a podium finish in the 2023-delayed AFCON and set to return to the grandest football competition, the FIFA World Cup, in June.
Sundowns players have been central to that rise, with Ronwen Williams providing leadership, Teboho Mokoena delivering consistency, and Themba Zwane playing a key creative role.
A Fitting Ending In Sight
Sundowns will face RS Berkane in the Champions League final. The first leg is scheduled for May 15 in Pretoria, with the return leg set for May 24 in Morocco.
Given their progress this season, Sundowns appear poised to end a 10-year drought, add another star to their crest, and deliver Cardoso’s long-awaited triumph.
If they succeed, it will not just be a victory, but a fitting culmination of persistence, adaptation, and belief – all inspired by the bald-headed Portuguese.
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