Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has opened up on what he has noticed about South African football since arriving in the mid-season.
The Portuguese tactician was appointed to replace Manqoba Mngqithi in December last year after the latter was sacked following an inconsistent start to the current campaign.
Cardoso has led Masandawana to their eighth straight league title and CAF Champions League final where they will take on the Egyptian side Pyramids.
Considering the club’s achievements both this season and over the past several campaigns, Cardoso is of the opinion that the Brazilians are not receiving the recognition they deserve.
He asserted that while Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are South Africa’s two traditional giants with large fanbases, Sundowns have surpassed them in representing the country on the continental stage.
CARDOSO FEELS SUNDOWNS AREN’T GETTING ENOUGH CREDIT
“I know that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have a lot of fans, but I also know that this club that I represent has done a wonderful job in representing South Africa,” said Cardoso during the interview with MSW.
“When a club wins in South Africa for so many times and years in a row is representing the country in the way it does, better than anyone in the last ten years, that respect should be given to this group of players.
“And sometimes…I know I’m new here but already I can see, that’s not how people see this.”
Cardoso also expressed his delight regarding the significant presence of Sundowns players in the Bafana Bafana team.
“It makes me proud that Mamelodi Sundowns is the base of the national team of South Africa, it makes me proud to see how many players are selected,” Cardoso added.
“I hope that the [PSL] awards of the season are given in general to Mamelodi Sundowns because indeed the trophies, performances, data and numbers are there.”
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