Latest news with #MiguelCardoso
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Sundowns eye clean sweep while newcomers Orbit aim to survive
Miguel Cardoso, head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns instructs players during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Fluminense at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on 25 June 2025 © Lynne Gleeson/BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix As the 2025/26 South African football season kicks off, the contrasting ambitions of two Betway Premiership clubs set the stage for an intriguing campaign. Mamelodi Sundowns, the undisputed giants of domestic football, enter the new term with silverware in their sights and continental glory firmly on their radar. In stark contrast, top-flight debutants Orbit College are preparing for a battle of survival, armed with belief, loyalty to their playing identity, and a few strategic signings. From title favourites to hopeful newcomers, both clubs face defining seasons ahead. 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 ✕ Ad Loading The CAF Champions League trophy remains an elusive goal for Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix TOP TRUMPS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS Club Owner: Patrice Motsepe Head Coach: Miguel Cardoso Highest ever finish: Champions Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, CAF Champions League Silverware chances: Excellent for all domestic competitions; one of the favourites for the Champions League For Mamelodi Sundowns, the prospect of a clean sweep looms large. With strong squad depth and tactical refinement under Miguel Cardoso, they are well poised to lift multiple trophies, including the league and domestic cups. Their only uncertainty lies in the CAF Champions League, but with Cardoso enjoying a full pre-season — unlike last term when he joined in December 2024 — expectations are sky-high for continental success. Cardoso and his technical team have sharpened the team's defensive resolve and attacking flair, with star forwards Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Peter Shalulile, as well as midfield maestros Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena, leading the charge. Their chemistry has created a ruthlessly effective, yet stylish brand of football. The high-profile acquisition of Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC raised eyebrows, particularly given the presence of stalwart left-back Aubrey Modiba. With both players vying for national team selection ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the internal competition adds another layer of pressure and intrigue. Despite their dominance, Cardoso insists on humility and focus. Every match is treated with the utmost seriousness, as Sundowns look to extend their legacy underpinned by discipline, teamwork, and hunger. Fawaaz Basadien has transfered to Mamelodi Sundowns for the new season. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpageopix Players to watch: Fawaaz Basadien, Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Marcelo Allende Predicted League finish: First Orbit College celebrate promotion, at the expense of Cape Town City, earlier this year. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix STARTING FROM THE BOTTOM ORBIT COLLEGE Club chairman: Dika Mokoena Head coach: Pogiso Makhoye Highest ever finish: Promotion to the the Premiership via play-offs Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout Cup. Silvareware chances: First season in the top flight, not amongst the favourites to win any silverware. Orbit College embark on their first Betway Premiership campaign with modest goals — survival chief among them. Coach Pogiso Makhoye, a stalwart of the club for over 15 years, will oversee their transition into elite competition following a strong promotion play-off showing. Orbit's rise has been built on consistency and staying true to their identity. Makhoye insists that their promotion does not signal a radical shift in approach, and that belief in their existing system will be key to staying afloat. Strategic signings include the loan acquisition of Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates. The Bafana Bafana winger brings much-needed top-flight experience and could prove decisive in tight contests. While game time was scarce for him at Pirates last season, his talent is undisputed. The Mswenko Boys' refusal to be overawed by the Premiership challenge may prove a vital asset. With minimal changes and a fearless mindset, they enter the campaign with belief that they can defy the odds. Monnapule Saleng will run out in the colours of Orbit College in the upcoming season. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Players to watch: Monnapule Saleng, Sekhoane Moerane and Siyabulela Mabele Predicted league finish: Survival by finishing 14th On Wednesday, we take a look at would-be challengers Orlando Pirates and newly promoted Durban City
The Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Basadien excited at move to Masandawana
The 28-year-old Bafana Bafana defender joined Sundowns after making 111 appearances for the Cape winelands side in the last three years and where he played an instrumental role in their CAF Confederation Cup semifinal. 'Masandawana family, I'm happy to be here and I can't wait for you guys to fill up the stadiums and watch us win more trophies,' Basadien said in a brief video on Sundowns' social media. 'I'm proud to be yellow.' Basadien could make his debut when Sundowns start their new season in the MTN8 quarter final against Richards Bay on August 3. His arrival will boost Miguel Cardoso's defensive options as they prepare for another demanding campaign.
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns' Cardoso reacts to being honoured in Portugal
'I received a letter from the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, recognising the work I've recently done in Africa,' said the Sundowns head coach. Miguel Cardoso, head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup press conference at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, USA on 20 June 2025 © Lynne Gleeson/BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has reacted to being recognised in his homeland after a remarkable debut season in South African football. Cardoso guided the Brazilians to an unprecedented eighth consecutive league title, securing the 2024/25 Betway Premiership crown. He also led Sundowns to the CAF Champions League final, where they were narrowly beaten by Egyptian giants Pyramids FC. Despite that defeat, Cardoso's achievements have not gone unnoticed in Portugal. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Ribeiro wins Club World Cup goal of the tournament Before taking over the reins from Manqoba Mgqithi at Sundowns last December, Cardoso won the Tunisian league with Esperance and also lost in the final of the Champions League to Al Ahly 'It's true that I was also honoured in Portugal. I received a letter from the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, recognising the work I've recently done in Africa,' Cardoso said. 'I was also recognised by the Portuguese Football Coaches Association and awarded the José Maria Pedroto Award which is named after a very important coach in Portugal who managed FC Porto. This award is directly related to the work at Mamelodi Sundowns, including our champions league final qualification and winning the PSL.' The 53-year-old tactician has been nominated for the PSL Coach of the Season award, alongside Stellenbosch FC's Steve Barker and former Orlando Pirates boss José Riveiro. Reflecting on the campaign, Cardoso highlighted key moments that shaped his successful season. 'I have many fantastic memories that come to mind regarding the first season here in the PSL. I think there are different moments but I can highlight the start which was amazing and difficult but very good in terms of results with important matches that were won immediately against Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu FC away,' he concluded. 'That gave us the positive energy to gather the souls of everyone together and then I remember the month of January where we scored goal after goal and won matches by big margins. At that moment we sent a powerful statement and I also remember the period after we won against Al Ahly and qualified for the Caf Champions League final. ALSO READ: I'll not be involved in the running of Siwelele – McKenzie 'We had six matches to play until the end of the season and we recorded six victories in a row with outstanding performances and wonderful football played. For me, memories remain the joy of the people and fans and the joy of playing good football and the joy of players celebrating victories.'
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns undergo preseason with Cardoso with a second star mandate
MAMELODI Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso will get to undergo preseason with the side. | tumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Mamelodi Sundowns return to pre-season on Monday, and while many clubs will still be figuring out their squads and systems, the reigning champions begin 2025/26 with a familiar goal — total dominance. Miguel Cardoso, who arrived before the halfway mark of last season, is not a new face at Chloorkop. He's had time to assess his squad, understand the terrain, and even stamp some of his ideas. Now, there's no excuse. This is his team — and the demands are crystal clear. Sundowns are gunning for an unprecedented ninth successive Betway Premiership title. But that's not the real story anymore. Their domestic supremacy has long been established. The question that lingers is whether this side, under Cardoso, can finally conquer the continent again. 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 ✕ The Champions League Weight Sundowns have dominated South African football with style, structure and financial might. Yet, for all their resources and brilliance, their record in the CAF Champions League remains underwhelming since their lone triumph in 2016. In recent seasons, they've faltered in the knockout stages, outwitted by tactically astute and street-smart opponents — often from North Africa. Cardoso was brought in to change that narrative. His European pedigree and tactical sharpness are exactly what the hierarchy at Chloorkop believe will bridge the gap between potential and podium. The club's premature exit from last season's CAF campaign — under his watch — means he starts this season with unfinished business. He knows it too. Squad Depth, Youth and Responsibility Sundowns boast the deepest squad in the league. The likes of Peter Shalulile, Teboho Mokoena, and Ronwen Williams offer experience, while younger stars such as Malibongwe Khoza are expected to shoulder more responsibility. Jayden Adams, signed from Stellenbosch FC, brings dynamism and versatility to midfield and could become key in tough away games on the continent. Cardoso has the luxury of options, but he'll need to manage them better — particularly in high-intensity CAF games where fatigue, travel, and unpredictable conditions can derail even the most prepared teams. Images we will never get tired of! 🤩🏆 Who else can't wait to see the #Champ15ns back in action soon? 👀🔜#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #TBT — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 17, 2025 No Place for Complacency Domestically, Sundowns are still ahead of the chasing pack — but only just. Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC both asked serious questions last season, and with more consistency, either side could push Masandawana harder this term. Still, the real test lies beyond the borders. For years now, Sundowns have approached the league almost as a warm-up to the Champions League — often rotating heavily or taking their foot off the pedal. That habit must change. Winning must become a habit, not a seasonal strategy. The Mental Battle Ultimately, Sundowns' biggest challenge is psychological. They've folded under pressure in some of their biggest CAF games. Cardoso's job is not just to instruct, but to instil belief. Sundowns do not lack talent. They lack Champions League conviction. Cardoso's task is to shift the club's mindset from perennial contenders to ruthless conquerors.
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Cardoso grateful to his staff & club after PSL nomination
'The nomination is obviously the recognition of all the coaching staff and the level of adaptation that we arrived at," said Cardoso. Miguel Cardoso, Head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates with players for winning the 2024-25 Betway Premiership at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on the 18 May 2025 © Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed his gratitude to the club and his technical team after being nominated for the prestigious PSL Coach of the Season award. Cardoso, who joined Sundowns midway through the 2024/25 campaign following the sacking of Manqoba Mngqithi, made an immediate impact at Chloorkop. ALSO READ: Nkota: Ettifaq move is a 'dream come true' The Portuguese tactician guided the Brazilians to a record-extending eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title in his first season at the helm. Since taking over, Cardoso has overseen 21 league matches, winning 18, drawing one, and losing just two. His impressive record helped him seal his place among the top three nominees. Under Cardoso's leadership, Sundowns have continued to assert their domestic dominance, with his tactical discipline and game management earning plaudits from across the football fraternity. 'The nomination is obviously the recognition of all the coaching staff, the level of adaptation that we arrived at,' Cardoso said the Sundowns media team. 'Ultimately, it is also the consequence of the work of the players and their dedication to the proposal that was put forward and I see it as a joint effort 'The monthly awards I received throughout the season is a joint effort of all the work at the club that led to results and ultimately the coach is the face of the results but I really share this individual nomination with a group of people that are behind me.' ALSO READ: Ex-Sundowns striker Maluleke backs Mofokeng for top PSL award The 53-year-old is joined on the shortlist by former Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro and Stellenbosch FC's Steve Barker. The PSL Awards ceremony is scheduled for 29 July, where the winner will be officially announced.
