Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has reacted to being nominated for the 2025 IFFHS Club Coach of the Year award.
The Masandawan tactician joins a glowing list of world-renowned coaches also vying for the prestigious gong. This award is run by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, a global organisation that records the game’s history and data.
Some of the nominees include Barcelona’s Hansi Flick, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Diego Simeone, Antonio Conte, and Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca.
Two-time UEFA Champions League winner Luis Enrique, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany are also in the running for this award. Only two coaches leading African clubs have been nominated, with Pyramids FC’s Krunoslav Jurcic joining Cardoso.
WHAT CARDOSO SAID ABOUT THE IFFHS AWARD NOMINATION
“I am delighted to have been nominated for the 2025 Club Coach of the Year award by the IFFHS. Recognition for a fantastic year at FC Mamelodi Sundowns, where we accumulated victories, excellent performances, trophies, records, and prestige,” said Cardoso.
“It will always be a testament to the work of my players, coaches, and the structure I belong to. A special kiss to my family. Thank you all. Let’s go for more.”
The IFFHS nomination could come with pressure on Cardoso to justify why he was named among the world’s best coaches. Sundowns still have an opportunity to finish this season with a treble. That would mean winning the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League.
Over the years, Masandawana have placed the Champions League as their top priority, but they have been enduring some near misses. This is a competition that earned them a ticket to participate at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
While missing out on the Nedbank Cup can be forgiven, Cardoso knows that not winning the PSL title would be a big dent on his name. If that happens, he would become the first coach to break the Brazilians’ run of eight consecutive league crowns.
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