Sunday, 5 Oct 2025
  • Calculators
  • My Feed
  • My Interests
  • My Saves
SUBSCRIBE
gauteng-news-logo-2025 gauteng-news-logo-2025
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
    Entertainment
    Movie reviews, TV scoops, viral moments — your daily dose of fun and pop culture.
    Show More
    Top News
    Worker's day
    Worker’s Day In South Africa: The Truth Behind The 1st of May
    April 29, 2024
    Top 30 Durban July Outfit Ideas for 2024
    Top 30 Durban July Outfit Ideas for 2024
    June 26, 2024
    How to Turn Your TikTok Fame into Fortune: A Quick Guide For South Africans
    How to Turn Your TikTok Fame Into Fortune In 2024: A Quick Guide For South Africans
    July 31, 2024
    Latest News
    Netflix This Month: New & Trending in SA
    October 4, 2025
    Cardi B vs Nicki Minaj Feud Reignites: Every Explosive Insult Revealed
    October 3, 2025
    Hey Neighbour Festival 2025 Cancelled: Refunds Still Pending
    October 1, 2025
    Celebrity footballer Andile Mpisane resurfaces in Eswatini league
    October 1, 2025
  • Sports
    Sports
    Comprehensive coverage of all your favourite sports — from football to athletics.
    Show More
    Top News
    africa cup of nations semi finals
    Africa Cup of Nations: AFCON 2024 Semifinals Fixtures to Watch
    February 7, 2024
    Bafana Bafana Celebrating Semi-finals Qualification
    Nigeria vs South Africa LIVE: AFCON Semifinals H2H, Predictions
    February 8, 2024
    kaizer chiefs news: bruce bvuma
    Latest Kaizer Chiefs News: Chiefs Keeper Bruce Bvuma Unfazed by Contract Situation
    February 8, 2024
    Latest News
    Carling Knockout kicks off as Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns eye Cup glory
    October 3, 2025
    Is Relebohile Mofokeng Losing Focus at Orlando Pirates?
    October 3, 2025
    Ex-Orlando Pirates Youngster Mohau Nkota Cashes In R300k Weekly
    October 3, 2025
    “Sorry, Kaizer Chiefs Weren’t Good Enough” – Broos on Leaving Amakhosi Players Out
    October 3, 2025
  • Finance
    Finance
    Smart money moves, personal finance tips, and SA’s financial pulse.
    Show More
    Top News
    how to register your car on bolt
    Super Quick Guide on How to Register Your Car on Bolt or Uber in 2024
    February 29, 2024
    Capitec Bank
    How To Download the Capitec App in 2024
    March 5, 2024
    National Minimum Wage
    Unpacking The Impact Of the National Minimum Wage Increase In 2024
    February 7, 2024
    Latest News
    Ex-Bank Worker Accused of Using Client Info for Fake Loan Applications
    September 25, 2025
    Repo Rate Remains Unchanged, Meeting Economist Expectations
    September 19, 2025
    Repo Rate Cut: A Welcome Move Due to Stable Rand and Improved Economic Outlook
    September 8, 2025
    Economists Predict Repo Rate Cut in September as Inflation Remains Low at 3%
    July 24, 2025
  • Politics
    Politics
    Stay informed with the latest political news and updates from South Africa and around the globe. This category dives deep into government policies, elections, political…
    Show More
    Top News
    The Political Parties of South Africa: A Guide for the Upcoming Elections
    The Political Parties of South Africa: A Guide for the Upcoming Elections
    February 20, 2024
    African National Congress
    African National Congress (ANC): From Liberation Movement to Governing Party in South Africa
    February 16, 2024
    South African Political Rallies
    South African Political Rallies: Parties, Issues, and Election Hype
    February 27, 2024
    Latest News
    2026 Local Government Elections: IEC Registers 13 New Political Parties in Just One Month
    August 27, 2025
    Local Government Elections Set to Take Place Between November 2026 and January 2027
    August 27, 2025
    DA Claims US Rejected Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy Mcebisi Jonas
    July 16, 2025
    Who is Firoz Cachalia, South Africa’s New Acting Police Minister?
    July 14, 2025
  • Motoring
    Motoring
    Explore everything about cars in this dedicated category! From the latest vehicle launches and expert reviews to maintenance tips, industry news, and car-buying advice, we’ve…
    Show More
    Top News
    The Best Car Dealerships in Pretoria
    The Best Car Dealerships in Pretoria In 2024
    July 25, 2024
    Conquer SA’s Rugged Terrain: Top 10 Best Cars for Mountain Driving in SA
    Conquer SA’s Rugged Terrain: Top 10 Best Cars for Mountain Driving in SA
    September 16, 2024
    Know Your Rights When Pulled Over at a Roadblock in South Africa
    Roadblocks in South Africa: Know Your Rights When Pulled Over at a Roadblock
    October 3, 2024
    Latest News
    60 Unroadworthy Taxis Seized by Gauteng Transport Officials in Major Crackdown
    October 3, 2025
    Audi S3 Facelift Arrives in South Africa to Rival Golf 8.5 R
    October 2, 2025
    BMW Recalls 331,000 Cars Over Safety Concerns
    October 1, 2025
    Expired Driving Licence? Good News for South African Motorists
    October 1, 2025
  • Tech
    Tech
    Gadgets, apps, trends, and tips — decoding tech for the everyday reader.
    Show More
    Top News
    AI Expo Africa
    AI Expo Africa: A Brilliant Technological Showcase
    November 3, 2023
    Capitec Bank
    How To Download the Capitec App in 2024
    March 5, 2024
    Download and Use the DStv App
    What You Need to Know to Download and Use the DStv App
    March 7, 2024
    Latest News
    WhatsApp to Introduce Ads: What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Change
    June 20, 2025
    Donald Trump Unveils New Gold Smartphone ‘Made Entirely in the US’
    June 18, 2025
    Why Does Mobile Data Expire in South Africa? MPs Demand Answers from Network Providers
    June 17, 2025
    South Africans Should Say Goodbye to Bank Cards: Embrace Virtual Cards and Tap-to-Pay Wallets
    June 10, 2025
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Weather
  • Tenders
  • Zodiac Signs
  • Jobs
  • Government Jobs
  • Private Sector Jobs
  • Bursary
  • Internships
  • NSFAS
  • Lotto
  • Daily Lotto
  • Lottery
  • Lotto Plus 1
  • Lotto Plus 2
  • Lotto Tools
Breaking News
Kempton Park Power Outage: 6-Hour Blackout Set for 8 October
Thembisa Residents Clash with City Over Increasing Electricity Tariffs
Ramaphosa Urges Israel to Release Abducted Mandla Mandela
What to Watch Tonight on DStv: Top Sport & Movie Highlights
SAPS Crime Intelligence and Gauteng Traffic Police Arrest Suspect Linked to Series of Robberies in Tembisa
Font ResizerAa
Gauteng.NewsGauteng.News
Search
  • Home
  • Lifestyle
    • Attractions & Experiences
    • Leisure
    • Gauteng Eats
    • GP Loves Kids
  • Motoring
  • Finance
    • Currency Conversion
  • Jobs
    • Government Jobs
    • Private Sector Jobs
  • Sports
    • Soccer
    • Rugby
    • Netball
    • Cricket
  • Entertainment
  • Politics
    • Local Politics
    • International Politics
  • Tech
  • Grants
    • SASSA
    • NSFAS
    • UIF
    • Business Grants
  • Lotto
    • Daily Lotto
    • Lotto Plus 1
    • Lotto Plus 2
    • Powerball
  • Weather
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2025 Gauteng.News . All Rights Reserved.

Site Navigation: Home » Sports

SportsMamelodi SundownsSoccer

Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso on the Big Final: “It’s About Pride, Responsibility, and Preparation”

Last updated: May 23, 2025 4:25 pm
Rolivhuwa Muswede
7 Min Read
549 Views
Share
Cardoso Shares Insight on Mamelodi Sundowns
SHARE

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has spoken candidly about the emotions, challenges, and strategies ahead of their crucial final in one of Africa’s top football competitions. As the club prepares to face a tough opponent, the sense of responsibility and pride is clear in his words.

Here’s a closer look at what Cardoso shared about this important moment for Sundowns.

The Weight of Responsibility on Everyone Involved

“There’s a moody sense, let’s say,” Miguel Cardoso began, describing the atmosphere around the club as they prepare for the final. “By one side, the sense of responsibility of playing a final of a competition like this one is obviously a very important moment for everybody in the club.”

This responsibility doesn’t just sit with the players on the pitch but extends to the entire club. Cardoso mentioned how this feeling touches “the group, the staff, the group of coaches, the group of players, the management of the club, [and] the fans.” It’s a shared moment of great significance, one where everyone feels the weight of expectation.

This shows how deeply intertwined football is with community and identity in South Africa. The club isn’t just about the players or the management—it’s about everyone who supports them, from local fans to the wider football-loving public.

Pride in Reaching the Final Stage

Despite the pressure, there is a clear feeling of pride in the journey that has brought Sundowns this far. Cardoso expressed this happiness openly: “At the same time, there’s a big, big sense of proudness.”

He added, “Happiness of knowing that we made a long way into arriving in the final. And that we are among the two best teams in the season in the continent.” This achievement itself is something to celebrate.

For many Sundowns fans, this is a reminder of the club’s strength and consistent performance over the years. The pride isn’t just about winning a trophy but about the hard work, dedication, and resilience it takes to get to this stage.

Preparing the Team for a Tough Battle

When talking about the players, Cardoso showed his focus as a coach: “There’s a group of people that is more close to me – I speak about the players of course – that understand that is the moment that we live.”

This moment, he explains, “obliges me as a coach to give them as much tools as possible to have a chance to prepare properly.” Preparation is key to success, especially in a final where every mistake can be costly.

Cardoso’s approach is about giving the team the best possible chance to perform well. That means not just physical training but also mental and tactical preparation, helping players to understand their roles and the challenges ahead.

The Importance of the First Game in a Two-Leg Final

The coach also highlighted the structure of the final, which will be played over two legs. “We are speaking about the first game, the first game is what we have ahead and whatever happens, changes obviously the second half of this game.”

This understanding shapes their strategy. The first game sets the tone and can either give Sundowns a strong advantage or leave them with tough work for the second leg.

In Cardoso’s words: “In this first half, we obviously have to try to make it the best possible.” The focus is on maximizing their performance from the very start, knowing that the first leg can be decisive.

Studying the Opponent and Crafting the Best Strategy

One of the most important parts of final preparation is knowing who you’re up against. Cardoso is confident in their preparation: “It’s important that we understand the best strategy to play the game, how the opponent will watch the best they have in order to hurt us and how to prevent it and obviously how we can produce that much in the opponent.”

Sundowns have studied their opponents carefully. “Knowing them very well, we studied them, we know them,” the coach said. This research allows them to anticipate the opponent’s moves and prepare counter-strategies.

The challenge is to strike the right balance between attack and defence. Sundowns must be strong enough to stop their opponent’s threats while creating opportunities to score.

Passing Knowledge to the Players for Game Management

Cardoso explained how the coaching team passes this detailed information on to the players: “We are passing that information for the players in the way we think is important to do.”

The goal is not only to inform but to empower players so they can “manage in the moments of the game.” Football is unpredictable, and players need to adapt quickly during a match.

This trust in the players’ understanding and decision-making is key to navigating high-pressure situations in a final.

What This Final Means for Mamelodi Sundowns Fans and the Club

For the Mamelodi Sundowns community, this final is more than just a game — it’s a symbol of hope, pride, and passion.

Cardoso’s honest reflection captures the collective emotions of everyone involved, from the players sweating it out in training to the fans cheering in the stands.

His balanced view of responsibility, pride, and preparation shows a coach who respects the moment but stays grounded in what is needed to succeed: hard work, focus, and belief.

Check also: Mamelodi Sundowns’ Road to the CAF Champions League Final

The road to the final has been long and challenging. Mamelodi Sundowns have shown resilience and skill to make it this far. Miguel Cardoso’s words remind us that while the pressure is immense, the pride and opportunity are just as powerful. For South African football fans, this final promises exciting football and a chance to see their team shine on the biggest stage in African club football.

TAGGED:African football finalfootball preparationMamelodi SundownsMiguel CardosoSundowns coach
Share This Article
Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article CAF Champions League vs CAF Confederation Cup: Understanding the Differences CAF Champions League vs CAF Confederation Cup: Understanding the Differences
Next Article UK49s Lunchtime Results UK49s Lunchtime Results for 23 May 2025
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Gauteng Events

Hey Neighbour Festival 2025 Cancelled: Refunds Still Pending

Hey Neighbour Festival 2025 Cancelled: Refunds Still Pending

October 1, 2025
Lights Out Party @ The View Bedfordview – 11 Oct 2025

Lights Out Party @ The View Bedfordview – 11 Oct 2025

September 30, 2025
Soweto Marathon Set for November 29

Soweto Marathon Set for November 29

September 19, 2025
Kota Festival Returns to FNB Stadium This October

Kota Festival Returns to FNB Stadium This October

September 9, 2025
Nyovest Starts Weight-Loss Journey

Cassper Nyovest Starts Weight-Loss Journey After Body Shaming

September 8, 2025
- Advertisement -
Ad image

Your Trusted Source for Accurate and Timely Updates!

Our commitment to accuracy, impartiality, and delivering breaking news as it happens has earned us the trust of a vast audience. Stay ahead with real-time updates on the latest events, trends.
FacebookLike
XFollow

You Might Also Like

Stellenbosch FC Eliminated from CAF Confederation
SoccerPSLSports

Stellenbosch FC Knocked Out of CAF Confederation Cup by Simba SC

April 27, 2025
CAF Increases Prize Money for CHAN 2024, Winner to Receive $3.5 Million
SportsSoccer

CAF Increases Prize Money for CHAN 2024, Winner to Receive $3.5 Million

January 8, 2025
Premier League Weekend Fixtures EPL Predictions and Betting Tips
SportsArsenalEPLSoccer

Premier League Weekend Fixtures: EPL Predictions and Betting Tips

October 25, 2024
Orlando Pirates Shut Down R31 Million Relebohile Mofokeng Transfer Rumours
SportsPSLSoccer

Orlando Pirates Shut Down R31 Million Relebohile Mofokeng Transfer Rumours

June 20, 2025
gauteng-news-logo-2025 gauteng-news-logo-2025

About US

Stay informed on the news impacting Gauteng and South Africa. Gauteng.News covers politics, finance, lifestyle, events, and essential updates.

Your reliable source for 24/7 news in Gauteng.

About
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsored Posts
  • Contact us
Useful Tools
  • PAYE & UIF Calculator
  • Rent vs Buying Calculator
  • Grocery Calculator
  • Car Affordability Calculator
  • Salary Estimator Calculator
  • Fuel Cost Calculator
  • Salary Calculator
  • Inflation Calculator
© 2025 Gauteng.News
All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?