‘Best night of my life’ – Cardoso reacts to Sundowns’ CAFCL final achievement

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has labelled the club’s latest continental triumph as one of the “greatest nights” of his life, following a high-stakes victory over Esperance de Tunis to secure a spot in the CAF Champions League final.

Brayan Leon proved to be the difference-maker as Sundowns marched into the final with a 1-0 second-leg victory over Espérance on Saturday. The Brazilians remained disciplined to secure a 2-0 aggregate win.

For Sundowns head coach Cardoso, the victory tasted even sweeter as his current charges overcame his former employers to maintain their pursuit of continental glory.

And in a night charged with emotion at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, the Portuguese tactician couldn’t hide his pride during the press conference as his troops reached their second consecutive final in the Champions League—a feat he described as “unbelievable.”

While the fans celebrated in the stands, Cardoso took a moment to reflect on the immense personal and professional sacrifices behind the scenes.

Cardoso Dedicates ‘Best Night’ of His Life to Family as Sundowns Reach CAF Final

Cardoso was quick to deflect individual praise, highlighting the diverse coaching staff that has powered Sundowns’ recent dominance over Africa’s elite.

“In the last few years, we have beaten the most important teams in Africa,” Cardoso remarked. “For me and my staff—wow—it’s been very hard work. From Portugal to Denmark, and our local South African experts, together we have done a beautiful job.”

The most poignant moment of the evening came when Cardoso addressed the personal toll of coaching at the highest level. He dedicated the victory to his family in Portugal, specifically his wife, who has been his anchor during his tenure in Pretoria.

“My family has suffered a lot. I was on the phone with my wife—she was crying and saying thank you,” an emotional Cardoso revealed. “There’s no big man without a big woman by his side.”

THE ‘BEAUTIFUL HELL’ OF A TRIPLE CROWN PURSUIT

Despite the historic nature of the victory, the celebrations will be short-lived. Sundowns face a gruelling schedule of seven matches in just 21 days as they juggle domestic title ambitions with their continental final preparations.

“We need to refocus on the league. The Champions League final happens after the domestic season ends,” Cardoso warned. “Seven matches in 21 days is a helluva challenge, but it’s a beautiful thing to do. We need the fans to carry us through this next stretch, wherever we play.”