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Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel CardosoGOAL GFX
Celine Abrahams

Turning the page: Who is Miguel Cardoso and what does he bring to the table at Mamelodi Sundowns?

The winds of change have blown through Chloorkop as the Portuguese coach has taken over the reins, succeeding Manqoba Mngqithi.

Mngqithi's tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns had been a rollercoaster, marked by mixed results since he took over from Rhulani Mokwena. During his brief stint as sole head coach, the Brazilians were knocked out of the MTN 8 semi-finals by Stellenbosch and suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final. 

However, it was their underwhelming Caf Champions League campaign that seemed to seal his fate. A goalless draw with AS Maniema Union, followed by a 1-1 stalemate against AS FAR Rabat, raised questions about the team’s direction. 

With Cardoso stepping in to take charge, GOAL looks at what he brings to the table.

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  • Miguel CardosoBackpagepix

    A tactical vision focused on control & adaptability

    Cardoso is renowned for his tactical intelligence, emphasising structured gameplay and effective use of spaces. As he explained to the media where he was officially unveiled, Cardoso prioritises control both on and off the ball, ensuring his team can dictate the tempo of matches. 

    His ability to adapt to various playing styles makes him an asset for Sundowns, especially in high-stakes continental competitions like the Caf Champions League. Under his leadership, the team is likely to adopt a more deliberate and tactical approach, enhancing their ability to compete against diverse opponents.

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  • Esperance coach Miguel Cardoso, April 2024.BackPagePix

    Proven success in African football

    Having won the Tunisian Ligue title with Esperance de Tunis and guided the team to a Caf Champions League final, Cardoso has demonstrated his ability to deliver results in African football. 

    This experience will be invaluable for Sundowns as they aim to cement their dominance on the continent. His understanding of the unique challenges in African competitions equips him to navigate the high-pressure scenarios Sundowns often face.

  • Miguel Cardoso and Tlhopie Motsepe, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Player development & team cohesion

    Cardoso’s background includes working with youth setups, such as Shakhtar Donetsk's U-21 team, where he honed his skills in player development. 

    At Sundowns, this focus on nurturing talent can help bridge the gap between their academy prospects and the first team. Also, his emphasis on solidarity and collective effort aligns with the club’s ethos, fostering a unified team capable of executing his tactical vision.

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  • Miguel Cardoso EsperanceGetty

    Experience in high-pressure roles

    From leading Rio Ave to their best-ever league finish in Portugal to managing Esperance de Tunis in high-stakes matches, Cardoso has consistently delivered under pressure. 

    This experience will be crucial as he steps into the demanding role of leading Masandawana, a club with lofty ambitions both domestically and in Africa. His calm demeanour and analytical mindset make him well-suited to handle the weight of expectations.


  • Arthur Sales, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Marcelo Allende, Mamelodi Sundowns, December 2024Mamelodi Sundowns

    A fresh perspective for continued success

    While Sundowns have enjoyed sustained success, Cardoso’s arrival offers a fresh perspective to keep the team evolving.

    His philosophy complements the club’s attacking style while bringing a more tactical edge to their game. This blend of continuity and innovation ensures that the club remains at the forefront of South African football while scaling new heights on the continental stage.

  • Mamelodi Sundowns fansBackpagepix

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