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IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Champions show up in difficult situations, Miguel Cardoso tells Mamelodi Sundowns after Pyramids FC final draw
Arthur Sales Sundowns Arthur Sales' clashes with Pyramids' Ahmed El Sawy at Loftus Versfeld. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media A dejected Miguel Cardoso dragged his almost lifeless body to the Loftus Versfeld auditorium on Saturday, needing to sip on water before taking his seat. The Mamelodi Sundowns coach was down in spirits after his team was held to a 1-1 draw by Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final first leg in Pretoria. Sundowns had led through Lucas Ribeiro Costa in the 54th minute, but Walid El Karti cancelled out that strike in stoppage time. The draw means that the Brazilians have to score in the return leg at 30 June Stadium in Cairo next Sunday to keep their chances of winning their second crown alive. It has been nine years since Sundowns ruled Africa as they won their maiden title under then-coach Pitso Mosimane in their second final attempt. That dream of getting back to the pinnacle of African football took a huge knock at home, reflecting why the Portugal-born coach Cardoso showed raw emotion of dejection afterwards. But the 52-year-old mentor didn't allow the setback to weigh him down in optimism as he said that adversity is the breakfast of champions. 'The attitude of champions is seen when things are not going well – when things are beautiful, it's very easy to be champions,' Cardoso explained in his post-match address. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Champions show up in difficult situations. We have a match of 90 minutes to play, and have the responsibility to score (at least) one goal as well.' The last time Sundowns won the continental crown was also in Egypt, as they beat Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate over the two-legged contest. The Brazilians had made the job easier for themselves as they won 3-0 in the first leg at home, resulting in the 1-0 loss to the White Knights in Cairo irrelevant. But with Sundowns having beaten Al Ahly 1-0 on aggregate in the semi-final this season, with the goal coming in the second leg in Cairo, they'll be confident of winning the second leg of the final against Pyramids next Sunday. Miguel Cardoso Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso gestures during the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Cardoso knows that it won't be easy, though, and that's why they'll have to give as good as they get on the day. 'We need to have a strong mentality. Even if they score over there, we need to continue looking for the goal that will equalise the match,' Cardoso said. 'It's open. They know it's open. The strongest team in the second match will be the one that will win the match, for sure. 'The approach for the game will be the same as we approach all the other games. The team that will show more interest, and motivation, will win the second leg.' A hard fought battle in the first leg - let's go to Cairo and give it everything Masandawana!👆🌍 Mamelodi Sundowns (54' Ribeiro) 1️⃣➖1️⃣ Pyramids FC (90 + 4 Elkarti)#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 24, 2025 There'll be high expectations for club captain and fan-favourite Themba Zwane to make an appearance in Cairo after being overlooked and benched in the first leg. Zwane knows a thing or two about winning the continental showpiece, as he is one of the two surviving members of the class of 2016, alongside Denis Onyango. 'I have to manage Themba like all the other players. Everybody wanted to be part of the match,' Cardoso said. 'The decisions were made to keep the balance of the team, and we thought they were the best ones.
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Late Pyramids FC sucker punch, but not over yet for Mamelodi Sundowns in CAF Champions League final
Walid El Karti Walid El Karti, seen here taking on Mamelodi Sundowns star Marcelo Allende, grabbed the stoppage-time equaliser for Pyramids FC. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Comment by MATSHELANE MAMABOLO at Loftus Versfeld THEY walked around the pitch as though in a funeral procession. Their heads bowed, and their hands hanging by their sides, Mamelodi Sundowns players were an epitome of a group in mourning. Shell-shocked at having conceded the late equaliser by Walid El Karti, the South African champions clearly understood the meaning of their having conceded a goal to Pyramids FC on home soil in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The trophy that they seemed to have a hand on deep into injury time was snatched away from that within the wink of an eye. Their traditional post-match salute of their fans was equally a sombre affair that they clearly would have rather not participated in. But it is obligatory and they did it, and it too told the story of a team and a crowd that had seemingly seen a ghost. Sundowns were looking good for a 1-0 win after Lucas Ribeiro Costa had given them the lead with a typical classy left footer from inside the box. And as they managed to keep Pyramids at bay while often venturing into the final third and threatening to score a second, it appeared as though the Brazilians would make the trip up to Cairo in an advantageous position. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ But football is fickle at the top, and against North African teams in particular – it is never over until the final whistle has been blasted. A huge failing of South African football is the way the fans only get involved in the match when their team is doing well. Let the opposition gain control and the home fans literally suffer with their team, sitting in silence and perhaps praying for a turnaround. Ribeiro, having been earlier substituted to rapturous applause, stood up from the bench and turned towards the fans – cajoling them into cheering the team on. Coach Miguel Cardoso and some players on the bench joined him, and Loftus broke into song. Just before that, the stadium announcer – having already announced that there would be four minutes of time added on for stoppages – pleaded with the crowd not to run on to the pitch at the final whistle. Victory seemed certain for Sundowns, and he clearly was anticipating an overflowing of emotions to have the delighted Masandawana to go on to the pitch and celebrate with their heroes – prematurely though that would have been, with the second leg still to come next Sunday night in Cairo. He'd spoken too early because a Pyramids attack from the left side with about a minute to go ended with El Karti tapping in the goal that sent Loftus Versfeld into such silence, you'd have sworn you were at a funeral. It was a sucker punch to the gut that would send even the strongest of boxers at least taking the standing-eight count, and Sundowns just did not want that. And you saw it in the way they met the final whistle that the players and the entire stadium understood just how much of a blow this was. They will probably recover from this in the next few days, and Cardoso is going to remind them of just how well they've done to get to this final – the Brazilians having won at Esperance and Al Ahly. A hard fought battle in the first leg - let's go to Cairo and give it everything Masandawana!👆🌍 Mamelodi Sundowns (54' Ribeiro) 1️⃣➖1️⃣ Pyramids FC (90 + 4 Elkarti)#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 24, 2025 Surely they can do the same at Pyramids? Contrast Sundowns' reaction to that of Pyramids, though, and you further got the understanding of what the 1-1 score-line means. The Egyptians celebrated with gusto, and even went down in thankful prayer at the end of the match, the Champions League rookies clearly confident that they will finish off the job in their own backyard – like they did in knocking Orlando Pirates out in the semi-final. On the strength of this match, you have to agree that Pyramids are favourites to lift the new Champions League trophy. But Sundowns are not completely out of it, and can still add that second star above their club crest. Not that you'd have believed this from seeing them walking around the pitch at the final whistle, resembling a group doing a send off to a dearly departed one.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Huge knock to Orlando Pirates' PSL title challenge as Yamba wins it for Sekhukhune United
Tresor Yamba Tresor Yamba (right centre) is congratulated by his Sekhukhune United teammates after scoring against Orlando Pirates. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Orlando Pirates' chances of challenging for the Premiership title took a huge knock as they lost 1-0 to Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. The defeat meant that they now trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who beat Richards Bay 3-0 in a simultaneous Wednesday kick-off, by 12 points. It was a huge blow for Pirates, as they also wanted to have a perfect dress rehearsal ahead of the back-to-back Soweto derbies against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Pirates will face Chiefs in the league at FNB Stadium on Saturday, before the two teams face off in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in seven days' time. Pirates have to make sure that they win both those games, as this loss was also on the back of their elimination from the CAF Champions League in the semi-finals. The Bucs lost 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids in Cairo last Friday, so they couldn't afford to slip up in domestic football if they were to challenge for a treble. But it wasn't to be. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Pirates didn't only lose this match, but they also lost captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, who'll miss out on both derbies after he was sent off by referee Olani Kwinda after two yellow cards. Pirates had started on a high on Wednesday evening, taking the game to Sekhukhune in search of a breakthrough, which would give them comfort. But it didn't come as Sekhukhune stood their ground, repelling all the danger that came their way as they looked to catch the visitors on the break against the run of play. Pirates, for all their efforts, were not clinical in the final third either as balls hardly got to striker Evidence Makgopa who continued to start ahead of Tshegofatso Mabasa. The Sea Robbers failed to make inroads into Babina Noko's box due to playing down the flanks instead of getting the ball into the danger zone. Relebohile Mofokeng did his best to try and make Pirates tick as he was all over Sekhukhune's defence. But that didn't pay any dividends for his side, while Bandile Shandu also wasted his square ball as he ballooned it into the stands with only Ronaldo Leaner to beat. Mofokeng was indeed Pirates' livewire in this game as he was also defending against the run of play, helping Shandu and Co. With the lead not coming through open play, Pirates opted to use the set-piece routine, but that also didn't pay off as Leaner tipped Kabelo Dlamini's free-kick over the crossbar. The Bucs lose their skipper ❌ Sibisi is sent off after two yellow cards 🟨🟨 📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 30, 2025 The Sea Robbers went into the break dominating possession, and they tried to turn that into a goal earlier in the second half. But it wasn't to be. Mbekezeli Mbokazi had a chance to score, but he put his effort into the stands right in front of goal when it actually looked easier to score. Pirates were eventually punished for their wastefulness as Tresor Yamba headed home Keletso Makgalwa's corner-kick after Sipho Chaine misjudged the ball in the air. Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made a host of changes in the last 25 minutes of the game, including introducing Mabasa for Makgopa. The attacking approach of Riveiro didn't work for Pirates as Sekhukhune got behind the ball as they successfully defend their lead to trim the Bucs' chances of winning the title.
IOL News
03-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Cardoso on brink of turning detractors into admirers
Miguel Cardoso Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is close to clinching a Champions League and PSL double. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Final Whistle Column Miguel Cardoso is on the cusp of history across all fronts, and that's why he could make his initial detractors, including yours truly, eat humble pie this month. I'll be the first to admit that I initially thought Mamelodi Sundowns shot themselves in the foot when they hired Cardoso. Apart from guiding Esperance to the CAF Champions League final last season, which they lost to Al Ahly, there was nothing special about him, I thought. He had arrived midway through the season at Esperance as his predecessor had all but won the league title and made huge strides on the continent. Cardoso's noteworthy achievements at the time was simply eliminating Sundowns in the semi-final of the Champions League after back-to-back 1-0 wins. And so, forgive me – and many others – who thought that the Portugal-born coach was only hired by the Brazilians based on his triumph over them. Granted, his predecessor Manqoba Mngqithi had started his tenure as the sole coach of the team on a mild note, crashing out of the MTN8 and Carling Knockout respectively. But Mngqithi was fast establishing his footprint in the team as Sundowns were quick in transition and able to find the back of the net with ease. As such, when club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe said during the unveiling of Cardoso that they had lost their identity and wanted to change their approach, that sounded flimsy. How could it not? This was the same club that had fired Rulani Mokwena, who had a clear approach – building up from the back – at the end of the season. But they wanted someone who'd not only be direct, but grind for results in the process. So, kudos, as it seems Cardoso was the right man. He is not a flashy coach who'll demand a unique approach from his troops, but he sets up his team according to the opponent and demand of the games. At first, he really looked out of sorts as his team tended to struggle in the second half after a gallant and clinical first half. But such has been his ability to adapt to the job and familiarise himself with the players at his disposal, he's been on a rampant run that has seen Sundowns rise to the top in every respect. Sundowns just need 10 points from a possible 15 to bag their record eighth Premiership title in succession, which would etch their names in the history books. That wouldn't happen by fluke. Far from it. In fact, it would be due to the hard work of Cardoso and his players, as they have beaten their rivals to climb to the top of the log. Cardoso's troops hammered the second-placed Pirates 4-1 at home, before losing 2-1 in the reverse leg in March. Their ability to pick up the first win and points in other games could all be good enough as Pirates are gasping for air in the title challenge after dropping points against the so -called minnows. Winning the title might be standard procedure for Cardoso given the deep pockets of the club, which have been able to boast their depth. And so, that's why his primary mandate was to challenge for the coveted continental title, something that he's just two matches away from achieving. Sundowns, the 2016 African champions, are in the final of the Champions League, in which they'll face Pyramids of Egypt in back-to-back matches this season. This is the first time they reached the first hurdle in nine years, having lost in the last two semi-finals. Their road to the final hurdle wasn't smooth. But nevertheless, they got the job done, including eliminating the record-extending 12-time champions Al Ahly in the semi-final. So, perhaps, that's what Sundowns needed all these years: someone who'll get there, adopt the squad at his disposal and get the best out of it. And that's what Cardoso has done. Hence, myself and many others will probably need to get our coaching badges before demeaning a qualified coach as not good enough.
