Cardoso reflects on new Betway Premiership season for Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns FC’s coach Miguel Cardoso has reflected on the forthcoming top-flight league of South Africa.

The Portuguese mentor said this while taking stock of his eight months in charge of the Betway Premiership side, saying he has embraced the South African team’s obsession for winning everything.

As he looks forward to the new season, Cardoso said he was fully aware of Sundowns’ appetite for fighting for all trophies on the domestic and continental fronts.

“People want to win everything, and the club has been winning a lot in the last years and decades. I know the story. I have identified everything. After these eight months, we can continue with that story. We are at the height of that legacy,” he told Pitchside Podcast hosted by Sundowns legends such as Hlompho Kekana and Tiyani Mabunda.

The Portuguese mentor said his first task when he took over the mantle after Rulani Mokwena’s exit, was to create a family spirit in the team.

“We tried to get the right ambiance… to make everybody feel comfortable. That sense of family brings you trust. You accept the bad moments in a family in a different way,” he explained.

Cardoso stated that he was bracing for stiffer competition in the 2025-2026 season.

“We need to understand that throughout the years, the other teams are also developing…however, that should not take away from us the ambition to achieve everything,” he said.

The Pretoria-based side defended the Betway Premiership title, but fell short of translating that on the continent. Sundowns lost in the CAF Champions League final to Pyramids FC.