Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has made an emotional confession about the passing of Jaden Adams following their 2-1 victory over Al Ahli in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup African-Asian-Pacific Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Bafana Ba Style beat the Saudi Arabian giants at home to lift the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup for the first time ever in the club’s history.
Nuno Santos netted a brace to earn the Player of the Match award in Masandawana colours, while Al Ahli’s solitary goal came via a Ronwen Williams own goal.
Cardoso dedicated the win and gold medal to the late Adams, opening up about the personal toll the loss took on him while highlighting how the squad has drawn strength from the player’s memory.
MIGUEL CARDOSO DEDICATES INTERCONTINENTAL CUP MEDAL TO JADEN ADAMS
Speaking to the media after securing the crucial win at Loftus Versfeld, Cardoso admitted that coming to terms with Adams’ death was a personal challenge.
“I want to leave today [Saturday] a special word in the memory of Jaden Adams. I think it’s a fantastic moment to honour him, to dedicate this medal, obviously, to his soul,” Cardoso told journalists.
“He’s always with us, and he’s always with me. I have to confess to you that I struggled a lot with his death. We promised ourselves [as Sundowns] that the best thing we could do is fight together to honour him throughout our journey together. Today [Saturday] was an important step on that way.”
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Beyond honoring Adams, the Portuguese tactician took a moment to address broader societal issues, sending a message of support to the families affected by the recent killings of women in and around Kempton Park.
“I spoke before the match when we were together on the preparation of the match, I spoke about all the families of the women that, unfortunately, left us [in the recent tragic killings of women in Kempton Park]. I want to keep giving energy for the beloved ones,” he noted.
Cardoso also acknowledged sidelined defender Khuliso Mudau, emphasising his vital contribution to the team’s journey despite his ongoing injury layout.
“Also, remember Khuliso Mudau, obviously, an important player that got a severe injury. He’s still not with us. But I think it’s also important, because we are here because on this journey, he was an important piece,” Cardoso added.
“And then, obviously, leave a word for the club, for the support of the chairman [Tlhopie Motsepe], for the support of the sports director [Flemming Berg], for the support of the staff on a daily basis, and, obviously, ultimately, for all the players that are part of this group.”
The Brazilians will look to build on their continental victory as they move forward in their campaign.
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