Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena believes current coach Miguel Cardoso has done well and isn’t under pressure despite the loss in the CAF Champions League final.
Cardoso took over from Manqoba Mngqithi in December last year and led the Brazilians to an unprecedented eighth league title, which they secured with a record 65 goals.
The Portuguese also helped Sundowns reach the final of the CAF Champions League where they lost 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids FC. This was the side’s first final in Africa’s premium club competition since they won it nine years ago.
Cardoso will be hoping for a good showing at the Club World Cup held in the USA, where they have been pitted in Group F against Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense.
Previewing the tournament with iDiski Times‘ Digital Editor David Kappel in the latest edition of the newspaper, Mokwena said pressure is inherent at Sundowns, however he feels Cardoso has done well so far.
“No, I think they’ve done well,” Mokwena told iDiski Times.
“To reach the Champions League final and to lose to the best team in the Champions League this season, and to also achieve what they’ve achieved in the league, isn’t easy, and that’s why I say he’s done well.
“But undoubtedly, Sundowns’ ambition is to dominate Africa and compete globally, not just win domestic league titles.
“They’ve maintained their domestic supremacy, which is important for the club, but I also know that the club’s leadership and their fans demand big results and success – this is why last season’s CAFCL semi-final exit still stings, because I know how much it hurt them and disappointed them.
“That said, the group’s competitiveness offers context; a strong showing, even without progression, might temper scrutiny. The pressure is inherent at Sundowns – it’s a privilege and a burden.”
You can read Mokwena’s full interview with Kappel in edition 208 by downloading the iDiski Times e-paper for FREE below.
