Coach Miguel Cardoso Ready to Lead Mamelodi Sundowns to Victorious Heights

Coach Miguel Cardoso

Ready to Lead Mamelodi Sundowns to Victorious Heights

Author: John Aliu

Coach Miguel Cardoso’s arrival marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Mamelodi Sundowns. With his vast experience across Portugal, France, Spain, Greece and Tunisia, he brings a deep understanding of the beautiful game and a proven ability to deliver results under pressure.

What sets Coach Cardoso apart is his openness to embracing South African culture. He shared his excitement about exploring his new home in an interview with the Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine, expressing a desire to fully immerse himself in the country’s vibrant culture and passionate football community.

“South Africa is a country I am eager to get to know better. From its rich culture to its dedicated football supporters, I look forward to learning from the diversity of South African football and contributing to Mamelodi Sundowns’ success.”

The well-travelled coach also expressed his excitement about the world-class environment at Chloorkop: “It is a great privilege to be part of such a historic Club like Mamelodi Sundowns. We have a rich legacy and it is an honor to contribute to the continued success and growth of this team. The passion and ambition within the Club are infectious and I am excited to help build on what has already been achieved. Together, we will push to elevate this Club to even greater heights, both domestically and on the Continental stage.”

Having managed Clubs like Rio Ave in Portugal, Nantes in France, Celta Vigo in Spain and AEK Athens in Greece, Coach Cardoso is no stranger to the demands of top-level football. Most recently, he led Espérance Sportive de Tunis to the CAF Champions League final, an experience that has sharpened his adaptability in diverse footballing environments.

“Adapting to different contexts has been my greatest lesson. Football varies greatly from one country to the next and understanding these differences has been essential to my growth as a coach and person,” he explained.

As Masandawana prepares to participate in several competitions, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the 52-year-old Portuguese tactician aims to instill a dynamic and adaptable style of play. His goal is to maximize the potential of the squad and ensure they compete at the highest level, not only in the FIFA Club World Cup but also across domestic competitions and the CAF Champions League.

“It is a privilege to compete against the best teams in the world. We need to build a team that can handle the demands of such a prestigious tournament. However, our focus is on every competition — each tournament requires its strategy and preparation, and we will approach all of them with commitment and determination,” he said.

An early highlight of Coach Miguel’s tenure has been his engagement with the supporters, particularly the post-match celebrations. He has expressed his desire to embrace this unique aspect of the Club’s culture.

“The joy and energy of celebrating with the supporters is something that truly inspires me. It is not just about the victory; it is about sharing those moments with the people who make this Club what it is. I am excited to embrace the culture of the Yellow Nation and connect with the community in meaningful ways.”

Coach Miguel’s Lifestyle and Interests

Q: Outside of football, what are some of your favorite hobbies or interests?

A: I have a wide range of interests. I am a big fan of sports in general. I cannot wait to watch rugby matches and horse races. While in Ukraine, I developed a passion for ice hockey and in Tunisia, I became fond of volleyball and handball, which are the country’s most popular sports. I also love cycling, especially mountain biking. I have attended prestigious events like the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. I am also an avid gym-goer and I enjoy keeping my body in good shape with regular exercise. On top of that, I have a small pond with about 20 beautiful Japanese Koi fish — it is one of my quiet escapes. Nature is something I truly appreciate! I love F1 motorsport, and my whole family loves it, especially my son and me. My favorite team is Red Bull, with Max Verstappen.

Q: Are you a fan of music? If so, do you have a favorite genre or artist?

A: Music is a huge part of my life. I love collecting old records and exploring music from classic British rock bands like DJames, Chameleons, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Cure and many other classics. My mood often determines what I listen to and I enjoy learning about the stories behind the music. One song that resonates with me, especially in football, is “The Story of My Life” by One Direction. I often play it on team buses and before matches—it keeps me grounded and reminds me of my journey.

Q: How do you stay fit and healthy, given the demands of coaching?

A: When I was younger, I was involved in several sports, not just football. I also took part in swimming, volleyball and water polo. As I transitioned into coaching, I adopted the habit of working out regularly in the gym. I focus on eating well, maintaining healthy habits and taking care of my mind and skin. I also make sure to get enough sleep to stay at my best.

Q: Are there any books, movies, or TV series that have inspired or influenced you?

A: I enjoy classic movies like Schindler’s List, Gladiator, The Shawshank Redemption, The Grandfather and the Italian film La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful). These films inspire me to overcome challenges and persevere. In terms of books, I collect biographies of coaches and sports legends. I am currently reading Pressure: Lessons from the Psychology of the Penalty Shootout by Geir Jordet, with whom I had the pleasure of discussing the book. I have also bought two books since arriving: Revolution: The Rise of Arteta’s Arsenal and The Art of War by Sun Tzu, both of which are now on my bedside table, waiting to be read.

Q: Do you have a favorite travel destination?

A: I love both mountains and beaches. Brazil is a favorite destination of mine and I have had amazing vacations there. I have also visited some of Europe’s highest mountains, where I hiked and cycled.

Q: What are some places you’re excited to visit in South Africa?

A: I cannot wait to visit Kruger National Park and experience its incredible wildlife and nature. I also want to explore smaller parks for a more intimate connection with nature. In addition to nature, I look forward to discovering local bookshops and record stores—things that help me grow and learn.

Festive-Themed Questions

Q: How do you usually celebrate the festive holidays?

A: I enjoy spending the holidays with family, sharing meals and playing games together. It is a time to relax and create lasting memories.

Q: What is the most memorable holiday gift you have ever received or given?

A: I cherish the moments of receiving gifts, more so than the gifts themselves. The thought and emotion behind them are what make them truly special.

Q: Do you have a favorite holiday tradition or memory from growing up?

A: The family reunion was always the highlight of the holidays for me. It is a time when everyone comes together, shares meals and creates unforgettable memories.

Q: What is your ideal way to spend New Year’s Eve—quiet reflection or a big celebration?

A: I prefer a quieter approach, spending time with family or taking a vacation if possible.

Q: If you could invite three football legends (past or present) to a celebration dinner, who would they be?

A: I would invite Johan Cruyff, whom I had the honor of meeting at an Aspire event in Dublin. Marcelo Bielsa, with his inspiring leadership, would also be on the list, and of course, Pep Guardiola—what an incredible dinner that would be!

In Coach Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns have acquired a tactician with a wealth of international experience and a deep passion for the game. His tactical versatility, innovative leadership and adaptive coaching style will no doubt be key as the Brazilians prepare to compete in several high-stakes competitions in 2025!

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