Mamelodi Sundowns‘ talisman Themba Zwane has detailed four key improvements he’s observed in the team’s performance since Miguel Cardoso took the helm.
Cardoso, who replaced Manqoba Mngqithi in December, recently led Masandawana to an impressive eighth successive league title.
A significant breakthrough for the Brazilians is their qualification for the CAF Champions League final, a stage they haven’t reached in eight years. Sundowns’ triumph in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane has proven a bit challenging to replicate over the years.
However, the South African champions are one step closer to repeating that feat. But they have to overcome Egyptian side Pyramids whom they welcome to Loftus Stadium on Saturday for the first leg of the 2025 final.
On June 1, the Chloorkop-based side heads to Cairo for the reverse fixture, which will decide this year’s African club champion.
WHAT FOUR IMPROVEMENTS HAS CARDOSO BROUGHT TO SUNDOWNS
The man nicknamed ‘Mshishi’, who was part of the 2016 class, has shared four elements Cardoso has “upgraded” in their game.
The Sundowns captain was addressing journalists at the club’s Chloorkop headquarters ahead of Saturday’s clash.
“I think the coach just upgraded our play,” the Bafana Bafana midfielder explained.
“If you check right now, we rotate the ball very well. We push them to one side, and we switch the ball, we wait for the right moment to penetrate. And we have those runs upfront. I think our play makes us happy as players, we play with joy with a smile. We enjoy as players.”
While the Bafana ace has not started matches since his recent return from injury, he will be hoping to play a part on Saturday.
Cardoso will look to the 35-year-old to guide his charges in what is his second Champions League final in two years. The Portuguese mentor was on the losing side last season as Tunisia’s Esperance fell to Al Ahly.
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