Miguel Cardoso Begs South African Fans As Mamelodi Sundowns Qualify for CAF Champions League Final

• Miguel Cardoso has implored South Africans to support Mamelodi Sundowns after reaching another CAF Champions League final
• The Brazilians are hoping to bring the CAF Champions League trophy back to South Africa this year after a ten-year wait
• The comments from the Portuguese tactician sparked different reactions from Mzansi football fans on social media

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has issued an emotional appeal to South African football following his team’s qualification for consecutive CAF Champions League finals.

The reigning South African champions edged past the Tunisian side with a 1–0 victory, securing their place in the final of Africa’s premier club competition.

This would be the third time the Portuguese tactician would secure a place in the final of the CAF Champions League. It's Sundowns second final in a row after losing against Pyramids FC in last season's final.

Cardoso begs South Africans to support Sundowns

In recent months, Cardoso has repeatedly highlighted the need for the Premier Soccer League to better support clubs involved in the advanced stages of continental tournaments, especially in relation to scheduling and recovery time.

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This concern resurfaced after Sundowns were not afforded a full week of preparation ahead of their first-leg clash against Esperance.

“I want to appeal to South Africa to rally behind all clubs representing the country in international competitions," he said while speaking on SABC.

“South Africans should take pride in what their teams have achieved over the years — SuperSport United, Stellenbosch, Orlando Pirates last season, and Mamelodi Sundowns consistently over time.

“It is crucial to create the right conditions for these clubs to thrive and make an impact, because everyone wants South African football to compete at the highest level internationally.

“At the same time, you can see the happiness it brings — but it requires being physically ready. That is how success is built at Sundowns, and my responsibility is to support the players to maintain that standard,” he added.

SA reacts to Cardoso's request

Bryan Lesego Mokoena said:

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"We, as Sundowns, want to thank Polokwane City for agreeing to move our League game to later this month. That gesture 👏 has truly helped us with this CAF Champions tie. The French Ligue 1 and clubs in that division do everything to help PSG in the Champions League, and it has worked wonders for them. So I take my hat off to Polokwane City for allowing us to navigate this tie without problems. We are going to bring the CAF Champions League trophy home, and they helped us in our journey."

Marathon Man shared:

"I do support Sundowns as a Chiefs fan. The problem is Sundowns fans; they think that when we do that, we are desperate. Some of them even say they do not need our support, as if they personally own the club. It's that kind of arrogance that makes us not care about Sundowns."

Siyabonga Binza wrote:

"As a Pirates fan, I am with Sondowns. Remember this is not Iraq_America war, it's just a sport 🤣."

Mbongwa Sibusiso commented:

"No. We won't! They've got Motsepe at the helm of CAF. What more do they want?👀"

Rorisang Blessedkidd Ndou reacted:

"Congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns for reaching another CAF final... Both Pirates and Chiefs can learn a lot from Sundowns when it comes to CAF."

Sandise Phineas Doc Phili added:

"As a KC fan, this can work, let's hate each other in local games, but Sundowns need South African to win this title."

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Cardoso matches Mokwena's Sundowns record

Briefly News also reported that Cardoso dropped a comment after matching one of Rulani Mokwena's records at Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.

The Portuguese mentor hopes to lead the defending champions to their ninth consecutive Betway Premiership title this season.

Source: Briefly News