Cardoso’s quiet revolution: How values and unity powered Mamelodi Sundowns’ title triumph

Miguel Cardoso’s presence may seem understated on the touchline, but his philosophy roars through every performance his side delivers.

Having led Mamelodi Sundowns to a record-extending eighth successive South African league title, the Portuguese coach was not focused on the silverware he and his team will receive at the weekend. Instead, his eyes lit up when he spoke about the intangibles — the heartbeat of a team that has, once again, proven itself the benchmark of South African football.

“The values that we develop in the locker room; the way we pass through the worst moments, really developed among us a good sense of love, of brotherhood,” he said following the 3-0 defeat of Chippa United at East London’s Buffalo City Stadium on Wednesday night.

“The spirit that made us wonderful to leave this locker room has been a wonderful pleasure to live this last month.”

Cardoso was not just offering soundbites; it was a glimpse into the culture he has worked hard to strengthen since joining the Brazilians as a replacement for Manqoba Mngqithi midway through the current domestic campaign, which ends on Sunday.

While most headlines would revel in tactical formations, goals, and point tallies that Sundowns have once again rewritten, Cardoso is deliberate in shifting the conversation to values.

“I think that when we arrived, obviously, it was clear that there was something that needed to change — mostly the energy. Nothing to do with the work of the previous coaches, whom I respect so much.

"Because it was not a matter of results; it was really a matter of the air — the atmosphere. We invested a lot in the relationships, because football is not only about how you touch the ball.

"It's about how you connect — among yourselves, with the players, with the staff, and with the club. I think that was the key: the ambience, the spirit.”

Being a foreigner is never easy, and Cardoso — having replaced a local — was initially viewed with suspicion by some. But he found acceptance from the rest of Sundowns, which made things easier.

“I know people were very suspicious when I arrived in this country," said Cordoso. "I don’t know why, but I just gave love to everybody. 

"I love being in South Africa; I love your culture, I really love your country, and I love being part of the Masandawana family that received me like I was one of them. That gave me a very strong starting point to be the best version of myself.”

Away from the pitch, Cardoso opened up about the personal toll this journey can take — particularly the challenge of being far from his family.

“I didn’t see my papa and my mama for all seven months; my wife and my son came to South Africa only twice. It’s so far from Portugal. Yes, we struggled — but we lived with pleasure every day.

"It’s a very strange sensation, but a wonderful one, because when you’re part of something as special as this, it gives you joy. I love what I do. And I know my family understands that passion.”

Next up for Cardoso and Sundowns, after the coronation on Sunday following the final league match against Magesi FC, is the CAF Champions League final against Egyptian side Pyramids FC. And Cardoso insists their approach remains grounded.

“For the Champions League, we trust our players. They’ve been here before. They know the weight of the badge.

"Yes, I will start thinking about it now. That doesn’t mean we won’t prepare to win the next match — of course, we will. Magesi have been doing well recently, so we must take care.

"We want to finish the league in the best possible way, in front of our fans. But yes, I will now obviously start — and I know my people are working on it — because that’s the way we prepare. I’ll start watching some footage from Pyramids, but let’s also keep an eye on ourselves — because that’s the most important thing, for sure.”

Listening to him, you walk away reminded that while trophies are polished and paraded, it’s the unseen — the trust in the locker room, the quiet sacrifice, the relentless consistency — that wins leagues. And in Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns have a man who values the heart of football just as much as its hardware.