Miguel Cardoso Opens Up on Whether He Feels Appreciated After CAF Champions League Triumph
- Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso opened up about how he views his role after the club's CAF Champions League victory
- The former Rio Ave head coach addressed whether he feels appreciated for guiding Sundowns to continental glory in May, 2026
- The Portuguese tactician spoke candidly about what truly motivates him in football, ahead of this season's Champions League
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has addressed questions about whether he feels valued following the club's CAF Champions League triumph, dismissing personal recognition as a career motivator.
Sundowns claimed the continental title in May, defeating Moroccan outfit AS FAR Rabat in the final to secure the club's second-ever CAF Champions League trophy. Their first came in 2016 under former manager Pitso Mosimane. The title was their sole major honour last season, as Orlando Pirates claimed the Betway Premiership and Sundowns fell short in the remaining domestic competitions.
Cardoso deflects credit to his players
When asked directly whether he feels appreciated for steering the club to African glory, Cardoso was measured and philosophical in his response. The Portuguese coach made clear that external validation holds little weight for him professionally.
"Regarding recognition, look, I don't work for recognition at all. It's finished that time for me. I was younger already. When I was younger, I thought that recognition would be very important," Cardoso said.
He went on to describe his relationship with the job in deeply personal terms, drawing on family and the passage of time to explain what drives him.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
"I just work for living, for life, to enjoy. Believe me, I work to enjoy a lot. And because I don't enjoy my family as much as I would like, I have to enjoy my job. There are a lot of things that I already miss that have to do with life. And that is the most important thing, you know."
A family legacy in football
Cardoso also referenced his father's influence, noting that football is woven into his family's identity. His father was a coach and sportsman throughout his life, a fact the Sundowns mentor cited as a source of deeper meaning beyond trophies and accolades.
"My father was also a coach, a football player, a sportsman all his life. And he will one day die watching his son fighting for the man he made grow," Cardoso said.
He concluded by reiterating that his players deserve the spotlight for what the team has achieved.
"Recognition, I don't really take it personal. I just enjoy and I let my players have the credit of everything I do and I can do for them."
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
