How Cardoso “upgraded” Sundowns: Themba Zwane explains

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane has revealed how Miguel Cardoso has “upgraded” the team, pinpointing several key improvements since the arrival of the Portuguese coach.

Having replaced Manqoba Mngqithi in December, Cardoso recently guided Masandawana to an unprecedented eighth consecutive league title.

A significant milestone, he’s also led the Brazilians to the CAF Champions League final for the first time in eight years. Sundowns’ 2016 triumph under Pitso Mosimane has been a challenging act to follow, but they are now one step closer.

They are set to face Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the first leg of the 2025 final at Loftus Stadium this Saturday, before heading to Cairo for the decisive second leg on June 1 to determine this year’s African club champion.

Zwane, a key figure in the 2016 Champions League winning squad, revealed four specific elements Cardoso has “upgraded” within the Tshwane giants.

“I think the coach just upgraded our play,” said the Bafana Bafana international at the club’s Chloorkop headquarters while addressing the media on Friday morning as Sundowns prepare for the Pyramids tie.

“If you check right now, we rotate the ball very well. We push them to one side, and we switch the ball, and we wait for the right moment to penetrate. And we have those runs upfront. I think our play makes us happy as players; we play with joy with a smile. We enjoy as players.”