Cardoso wants respect for Sundowns turnaround

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is not taking kindly to suggestions that he inherited a well-oiled machine when he succeeded Manqoba Mngqithi in December.

Cardoso took over a Sundowns side that was already top of the log after registering seven wins and one defeat from eight Betway Premiership matches. 

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It was in the CAF Champions League group stages where Mngqithi struggled, with two uninspiring draws against AS Maniema Union and AS FAR.

Cardoso’s five-month tenure at Chloorkop has yielded positive results, with qualification for the Champions League final secured. Masandawana are also on the brink of a record-extending eighth successive league title.

“I didn’t arrive in the middle of the season. I arrived with only one-third of the season played, so with due respect to coach Manqoba (Mngqithi) and the work he did, I think it’s clear for everybody to see where we were and where we stand now,” Cardoso said.

‘We took the team to a high level’

“Credit goes to my players, the club, and the management. It was important to pick up the team from the position it was in. That is the credit I give to him (Mngqithi), and I have said it personally to him.

“But it’s clear that the job done by my staff, myself, and everybody together is important, and people should recognise what we’ve been doing in this league. We took the team to a high level, and the team is not only playing fantastic football but also breaking records one after another. But there are still two matches to play,” Cardoso continued.

Sundowns are just one point away from mathematically securing the league crown. The Tshwane giants will also play Pyramids FC in a two-legged final of the Champions League, starting with a home tie on May 24.

“Let’s give credit to those who deserve it. It was suspicious when I arrived, but please respect the work we’ve been doing,” Cardoso added.

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“Respect the work of my players, management, and the team around me. Let’s wait until the end so we can make the assessment properly. I think it’s clear that the way we’ve been doing things has put us in a very high position in terms of the quality of the games played and the statistics we have,” concluded Cardoso.