Reisinho rejects Cardoso’s suggestion that South Africa affected Mamelodi Sundowns spell

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Miguel Reisinho has challenged head coach Miguel Cardoso’s suggestion that difficulties adapting to life in South Africa contributed to his unsuccessful time at the club.

Speaking exclusively to Soccer Laduma in edition 1491, Reisinho said he settled well in the country and claimed adaptation was not raised as an issue during the season.

Cardoso’s comments surprised the Portuguese midfielder, who said they did not reflect the conversations he had experienced at Mamelodi Sundowns.

“He said that? That’s interesting because it’s something that was never really discussed during the season. As I said before, I adapted very well to life in South Africa,” Reisinho said.

Reisinho described South Africa as a country with a very good quality of life. He added that having fellow Portuguese player Nuno Santos at Mamelodi Sundowns made the transition easier, as Santos helped him adjust to a new environment.

The midfielder nevertheless made clear that adapting to a different country did not mean abandoning the standards he has developed throughout his career.

“There are values and principles that I learned throughout my career, which helped me become the professional and the person I am today. Those are things I will never compromise on,” he said.

“I have always been professional in every sense of the word, and I adapted well to the circumstances that came my way, even when some of them were not as normal as what I had been used to.”

Asked to explain which values and principles he considered non-negotiable, Reisinho referred to his conduct and professionalism but chose not to discuss individual incidents.

“What I can say is that I will always stand by my values, professionalism, respect, honesty and the way I conduct myself. Those are principles I have always followed throughout my career and will continue to follow,” he said.

“I prefer not to go into more detail about specific situations.”

Reisinho also responded to reports linking him with a move to Raja Casablanca, confirming that there had been an initial approach but saying no detailed negotiations followed.

He said being associated with Raja Casablanca was flattering because of the Moroccan club’s stature, history and support.

“It is always flattering to be linked with a club like Raja Casablanca, one of the biggest clubs in Morocco, with an incredible history and extraordinary supporters,” Reisinho said.

“But what I can say about this situation is that there was an initial approach to find out whether I was available. Since then, there has been no further progress or any attempt to discuss the possibility in greater detail.”