Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has confirmed that he signed a new long-term contract with the club during the off-season.
Cardoso’s future had been the subject of speculation following a second season that saw Sundowns crowned CAF Champions League winners, although they missed out on the domestic cup competitions.
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However, the Portuguese coach has now revealed that the matter was settled before the start of the new campaign, with both parties agreeing to fresh terms.
“Look, that situation already came in the [off-season], nothing was done now, everything was done in the [European] summer,” Cardoso said.
“It’s clear that both the club and myself share the same values in terms of how we see football.”
Cardoso explained that Sundowns initially exercised an option in his existing agreement, but negotiations for an entirely new contract began immediately.
“The technical staff is very happy to be in the club, the club is showing happiness in having us, so we changed the terms we had,” he explained.
“The club at the time had an option they executed, but we at the same time on the same day started discussing a new contract.”
‘We share the same values’
The 53-year-old has now committed his future to the Brazilians on a long-term basis as Sundowns look to build on their historic CAF Champions League triumph.
While the exact length of the agreement has not been disclosed, Cardoso stressed that the commitment between himself and the club is more important than the details written on paper.
“And yes, we have a long-term contract, that we as coaches want, to take it to the limit,” he said.
“And it’s not important, the paper, the commitment is important. The commitment is very strong from both sides.”
Cardoso believes the new agreement provides further stability at a club where he feels there is a clear alignment in terms of ambition and footballing philosophy.
“It’s just a sign that we share values and that makes everyone happy and gives stability. We’re happy,” he added.
“But as I said, it’s something that happened in the summer, before we came in South Africa.”
Cardoso’s new deal comes after a remarkable turnaround in his tenure at Chloorkop.
After winning the domestic league title and reaching the CAF Champions League final in his first season, he guided Sundowns to continental glory in his second campaign, ending a decade-long wait for their second Champions League crown and the FIFA Africa-Asian-Pacific Cup title.