Miguel Cardoso Guides Mamelodi Sundowns to CAF Champions League Final
Mamelodi Sundowns secured their second consecutive CAF Champions League final appearance after a 2‑0 aggregate victory over Tunisian side Esperance Sportive de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. The win, built on a solid defensive display and a late goal from Brayan Leon, sets up a two‑leg showdown with Moroccan club AS Far on 15 May (first leg in Pretoria) and 24 May (return leg in Morocco).
Road to the Final
Sundowns progressed through the group stage unbeaten, finishing top of Group A with four wins and two draws. In the quarter‑finals they overturned a first‑leg deficit against Algerian side CR Belouizdad, winning 3‑1 on aggregate. The semi‑final clash with Esperance proved tighter; after a goalless draw in Tunis, Sundowns prevailed 2‑0 at home, with Leon’s 78th‑minute strike sealing the tie.
According to the CAF match report, Sundowns recorded 62 % possession and completed 84 % of their passes in the second leg, underscoring the tactical discipline imposed by head coach Miguel Cardoso [1].
Cardoso’s Coaching Pedigree
Miguel Cardoso, a Portuguese‑born tactician, has now reached the CAF Champions League final three times in his career:
- 2018 – with Esperance (lost to Al Ahly)
- 2022 – with Mamelodi Sundowns (lost to Al Ahly)
- 2023 – with Mamelodi Sundowns (lost to Wydad Casablanca)
He joins an elite group of coaches that includes Pitso Mosimane and Manuel Jose, each of whom have also appeared in three finals [2]. Cardoso’s experience spans clubs in Portugal, Denmark, and South Africa, giving him a broad perspective on player management and tactical flexibility.
In a post‑match interview, Cardoso reflected on his record:
“When you get into the group of three coaches, you just have to have fun. Everyone wants more, but I’m always very grateful to life for what it has given me.”
He emphasized that reaching the final is a testament to the collective effort of his back‑room staff, which includes Portuguese analysts, South African fitness coaches, and Danish performance specialists.
What Lies Ahead: The Final Against AS Far
AS Far, the reigning Botola Pro champions, finished second in Group D and eliminated Egyptian giants Zamalek in the quarter‑finals before overcoming Tunisian side Club Africain in the semi‑finals. The Moroccan side boasts a potent attack led by striker Ayoub El Kaabi and a disciplined defensive unit conceded only two goals in their knockout ties.
Cardoso warned against underestimating the opponent:
“The other teams that played the other semi‑final are at the level of Sundowns and Esperance. They have developed very strong teams and a very good group of players. So we have to respect the final and anyone who thinks that this final will not be as difficult as this semi‑final is completely wrong. Maybe it will be more difficult.”
He added that Sundowns will adopt a positive approach, fighting for every minute of the two‑leg encounter.
Cardoso’s Perspective and Leadership
Beyond tactics, Cardoso stresses the importance of mentorship and culture building. He praised the contributions of players arriving from different footballing backgrounds:
“For my staff and I, it is the hard work of those who come from Portugal, those I found here in South Africa and those from Denmark.”
This inclusive philosophy has helped Sundowns maintain squad harmony despite the pressures of continental competition.
With a third final appearance on the horizon, Cardoso remains hopeful that experience will translate into silverware. As he told the club’s official channel, “We will fight a lot to win, that’s for sure and until the last minute we will fight for it and a positive approach is always important.”
Fans can follow the first leg live from Loftus Versfeld on 15 May, with the return leg set for Stade Municipal de Kenitra on 24 May. The outcome will determine whether Cardoso finally breaks his final‑jinx and lifts CAF’s most prestigious club trophy.
References
- CAF Champions League Match Report: Mamelodi Sundowns 2‑0 Esperance (4 May 2024). cafonline.com
- BBC Sport: “Miguel Cardoso joins elite group of three‑time CAF Champions League finalists.” (5 May 2024). bbc.com
