Unflappable: Cardoso explains composure amidst Champions League pressure cooker

Miguel Cardoso. Photo credit: CAF

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso revealed the reason behind his remarkable calmness, a composure that even caught the attention of club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe.

Addressing the media in Cairo on Saturday, just hours before the crucial second leg of the CAF Champions League against Pyramids FC, Cardoso radiated an unexpected serenity.

This tranquillity was particularly striking given that his side had let a lead slip in the first leg in Pretoria, conceding a stoppage-time equaliser that resulted in a precarious 1-1 draw, with the away goals rule now looming large.

Yet, the Portuguese tactician believes his "peace amidst the storm" mindset is the key to unlocking a historic performance from his Sundowns troops in the final, set for 7 PM (CAT) at the June 30 Stadium.

"I was speaking today (Saturday) in the afternoon with the chairman of the club (Tlhopie Motsepe) and he was looking at me and saying, 'you are so relaxed, what happened to you?' My answer to him was very simple," Cardoso revealed.

He continued, "It’s when you stand over more important things for you as a human being than winning a cup, then you get the release, the state of mind and the freedom to be at peace whenever you play this kind of match."

Cardoso further elaborated, drawing on a recent personal reflection. "One of the things I wrote for him (my brother) to read was exactly that. Standing over the values that you constantly have in your life, the fact that you understand that the people that you love and let love you are the ones that are really meaningful to you."

He stressed the importance of cherishing those who remain steadfast. "When you take care of the friends that were always there, even in the darker days of your life, those people will be there whatever happens tomorrow. It gives me such a sense of peace that if my players could feel it, they would make a wonderful game on Sunday."

For Cardoso, the distinction between the professional and the personal is clear. "A cup is important, but it’s important for the coach, not for the man. The guy who’s gonna live with me until the end of my days will not be the coach, but the man."

Cardoso's philosophical approach comes on the back of significant achievements. He recently received an award in Portugal from the National Association of Football Coaches of Portugal, recognising his exploits on the African continent. Prior to joining Sundowns, he guided Esperance de Tunis to a league title and the CAF Champions League final last season.

Now, having already steered Sundowns to their eighth successive Betway Premiership title, Cardoso stands on the cusp of making history by securing the club's coveted second star, a triumph that would truly validate his unique blend of tactical prowess and inner calm.