Latest news with #Sundowns'
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Cardoso remains silent on Zwane snub as Mamelodi Sundowns eye Club World Cup redemption
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso found it hard to explain Themba Zwane's CAF Champions League final snub after losing to Pyramids on Sunday night. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix It was the question on every South African football fan's lips — where was Themba Zwane? As Mamelodi Sundowns battled Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League final, the veteran midfielder and club legend remained anchored to the bench, his boots untouched, his presence silent. In a match of such magnitude, the absence of one of Sundowns' most influential figures sparked immediate speculation and a flurry of questions — none of which head coach Miguel Cardoso seemed willing to answer following their' 3–2 aggregate defeat to the Egyptian club. 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 ✕ Zwane, a stalwart in Sundowns' history and a pivotal figure in their 2016 Champions League title-winning campaign, remained an unused substitute throughout the decisive matches. During Sunday's post-match press conference Cardoso was pressed for clarity regarding the absence of Zwane. The Portuguese tactician, however, offered only a vague response, hinting at the need for midfield balance and a strategic approach to the game. 'I understand what you are looking for, but now is not the time to discuss individual player performances,' said Cardoso, while acknowledging Zwane's significance. 'This group is very qualified, with a lot of quality players. Themba is one of them.' The specifics of Zwane's omission were left unaddressed, fuelling speculation and adding an air of mystery to the situation. 'It's not just about accepting the loss; it's about recognising that we didn't play to the standard we should have in the initial stages of the game. We needed to approach the game differently,' Cardoso said, underscoring his focus on the team's overall performance rather than individual contributions.
France 24
3 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
Pyramids survive tense finish to be crowned African champions
Competing in the premier African club competition for only the second time, Pyramids triumphed 3-2 on aggregate after the first leg was drawn 1-1 in Pretoria last weekend. Fiston Mayele scored after 23 minutes and Ahmed Samy on 56 minutes for the Egyptian outfit before Iqraam Rayners reduced the arrears in the 75th minute. Listless for much of the match, Sundowns pressed in the closing stages, but the second goal that would have given them overall victory on away goals proved elusive. Pleas by Pyramids, who normally attract crowds of just a few thousand, for support led to their 30,000-seat stadium being about half full for the second leg. Both clubs made one change to the first-leg starting line-ups last weekend in Pretoria, where Walid el Karti headed an added-time equaliser after Lucas Ribeiro gave Sundowns an early second half lead. Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic, a former Croatia midfielder, dropped forward Ibrahim Adel, scorer of six goals en route to the final, and promoted ex-English Premier League forward Ramadan Sobhi. Sundowns' Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso left out Brazilian forward Arthur Sales and gave a starting place to midfielder Jayden Adams. Cardoso is only the second coach after Argentine Oscar Fullone to reach consecutive Champions League finals with different clubs. Fullone, who died in 2017 aged 78, guided ASEC Mimosas of the Ivory Coast in 1998 and Raja Casablanca of Morocco the following year to victory in finals of the premier African club competition. Mayele scores Cardoso took Esperance of Tunisia to the 2024 final, which they lost to Al Ahly of Egypt with an own goal separating the sides. A new Champions League trophy, unveiled before the first leg, was brought to the touchline at the 30 June Stadium by 48-year-old Nigerian legend and former Inter Milan and Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu. On a warm, windy first day, both teams constantly surrendered possession cheaply before Pyramids took the lead when Mayele scored his ninth goal of the African campaign. A cross by Ahmed Atef was partially cleared by Grant Kekana and Mayele pounced to slam a snap low shot across goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into the far corner of the net. Tensions rose and the Somali referee yellow-carded Atef and Aubrey Modiba after the duo had an angry clash, leading with their heads. Sundowns squandered a great chance in first half added time when Tashreeq Matthews broke through only to see his shot parried by the left leg of goalkeeper Ahmed el Shenawy. It was the only time the Pretoria outfit threatened in the opening half despite having much more possession. Pyramids struck again when Mohamed Chibi placed a free kick into the goalmouth and central defender Samy headed powerfully into the net. It was the first goal for Samy in the 16-match Champions League campaign and he became the 19th Pyramids player to score in the competition this season. Sundowns replied when a weak headed clearance offered Rayners a chance and he fired past El Shenawy from close range.
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Sundowns coach Cardoso seeks to join Africa's elite coaches
Published: Sunday, 01 June 2025 Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has shot at African glory as he leads his team into the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final against Egypt's Pyramids FC on Sunday evening in Cairo. The Portuguese tactician, who guided Sundowns to an impressive showing this season, is hoping to go one step further this time and etch his name alongside the continent's greatest managers. His side played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria, with Lucas Ribeiro's opener canceled out by a late Walid El Karti header for Pyramids. Cardoso will now need to mastermind a win or a high-scoring draw at the Air Defense Stadium to deliver Sundowns' second CAF Champions League title and his first as head coach. If successful, he will become the second Portuguese coach to lift the prestigious African trophy after legendary Manuel Jose, who won four titles with Al Ahly between 2001 and 2008. Cardoso's achievement would further underscore the growing global influence of Portuguese managers, now sought after from various clubs across Africa. Despite the pedigree of his Croatian counterpart Krunoslav Jurčić, who is seeking to make Pyramids the fourth Egyptian club to win the Champions League, the spotlight remains firmly on Cardoso. His team knocked out defending champions Al Ahly in the semi-finals, denying Swiss coach Marcel Koller a shot at a third successive crown. This final is also a personal redemption story for Cardoso. Now, just 90 minutes from the title, he stands on the verge of rewriting Sundowns' continental story while strengthening the legacy of Portuguese coaches in Africa. Sundowns' previous Champions League triumph came under Pitso Mosimane in 2016. A second title under Cardoso would confirm the club's rise as a consistent continental powerhouse and place the Portuguese coach in esteemed company on CAF's coaching wall of fame.
6 days ago
- Sport
Mamelodi Sundowns block Terrence Mashego exit
Mamelodi Sundowns have triggered the contract extension clause for left-back Terrence Mashego, even as interest from Stellenbosch FC intensifies. The move comes amidst mounting speculation about Mashego's dissatisfaction at the club due to a lack of consistent game time. The 29-year-old joined Sundowns in September 2022 and has clocked 45 appearances across all competitions. Yet, this season he has featured in only 13 matches, a sharp decline that has reportedly cost him his place in the Bafana Bafana squad. Coach Miguel Cardoso has consistently preferred Aubrey Modiba at left-back. Modiba, who also secured a contract extension recently, has made 34 appearances this season. Meanwhile, Divine Lunga has also had his contract extended and managed 16 outings across all competitions. This trio of contract renewals signals Sundowns' intention to retain depth in their defensive unit, but it has pushed Mashego further down the hierarchy. With Stellenbosch FC aware of Sundowns' ongoing interest in their star defender Fawaaz Basadien, they may be preparing for his possible departure. Mashego, a Mamelodi native, has reportedly emerged as their top target. A source confirms the left-back is open to a move, particularly with the lure of CAF Confederation Cup football proving enticing. 'Remember Chiefs wanted Mashego after they thought they couldn't get Basadien at that time but now Stellies are first in line it looks,' said the source. Stellenbosch's historic run to the 2025 CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals has put them on the map, and they are eager to reinforce their squad with experienced campaigners like Mashego. Earlier in January, Kaizer Chiefs reportedly made a bid for Mashego. However, their offer failed to meet Sundowns' expectations. The Brazilians appear unwilling to strengthen their Soweto rivals, closing the door on any potential move to Naturena. Should Mamelodi Sundowns keep Mashego or let him join Stellies? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
26-05-2025
- Sport
‘It will be called the Premier Sundowns League'
What a player this guy was for Mamelodi Sundowns. The reigning Betway Premiership champions lifted a record eighth consecutive league title this season. The dynasty has raised complaints about Sundowns' money making a mockery of the competition in the South African game. According to the club's former star, Carelse, Sundowns are doing the right things, which is the focus to improve every single season. The Wesbury-born legend feels that other clubs with financial potential, such as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu FC, should be inspired to improve and level up. With Kabo Yellow set to earn close to R100 million after the CAF Champions League final and the FIFA Club World Cup in June, should local clubs forget about domestic success? 'No, I don't think that's the case. Obviously Sundowns would get money from the Club World Cup and strengthen the squad,' Carelse said to KickOff . Brent Carelse playing for Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League. Image: Sowetan 'But that's normal, that's the business of football. If you're not trying to improve, then what are you doing? Even if people complain about them dominating and 'the league boring', Sundowns, I don't think that's true. 'They're trying to improve every season, so they can go to the CAF Champions League final and go to the Club World Cup, those are the things the club wants, that's why they're successful,' Carelse said. 'Sundowns is not gonna wait for other teams to improve. If Sundowns are gonna run away with the league for the next five to seven years, that's because they are doing the right things. 'I'm putting the marker for your Pirates, Chiefs, Stellenbosch, AmaZulu, all these other teams, they need to improve. Sundowns try to improve after every season. 'It's for other teams to wake up and say, 'Look, we also need to invest in our club'. But I don't think anyone is gonna topple them anytime soon. Maybe next season it will be called the Premier Sundowns League (PSL), because sihamba ngayo ne league haha (we're running away with this league),' the former Cape Town Spurs midfielder boasted,' the former Sundowns attacker concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
