Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso described Saturday night’s CAF Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis as one of the “greatest moments” of his career and gave special credit to his wife.
Cardoso was visibly emotional in his post-match press conference, paying tribute to his family, his backroom staff, and the Sundowns supporters who created a charged atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld.
“It’s one of the best nights of my life for sure,” the Portuguese coach said.
Cardoso used the occasion to acknowledge the journey that has seen Sundowns establish themselves as Africa’s dominant force under his watch, noting the club has defeated the continent’s biggest sides in recent seasons.
“In the last years we have beaten the most important teams in Africa,” he said, also thanking his multinational coaching staff.
“For me and my staff — wow — it’s been very hard work. The ones from Portugal, the ones from Africa, the ones from South Africa, the one from Denmark. Together we have done a very beautiful job. When we made the final the first time, second was great, third is unbelievable.”
Cardoso Warns To Switch Focus
Despite the celebrations, Cardoso was quick to refocus minds on domestic matters, with Sundowns still embroiled in a title race that requires immediate attention. The Brazilians face seven matches in 21 days across the Betway Premiership and CAF commitments.
“We need to think about the league, because the Champions League final will be played when the league is finished,” he warned. “Seven matches in 21 days — what is a helluva challenge but a beautiful thing to do.
“It’s very important to keep following us now in the league, we have one on Wednesday and then on the weekend. So it’s an appeal and a thank you: that we gather energy to follow us throughout the country, wherever we’re going to play.”
In a personal moment, Cardoso paid tribute to his wife and family in Portugal, who he said have sacrificed greatly during his time on the continent.
“My family in Portugal, they have suffered a lot. I was speaking to my wife on the phone — she was crying and saying thank you very much. There’s no big man without a big woman on the side.”
