Brayan Leon backs Miguel Cardoso as Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for Al Ahli

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Brayan Leon has described Miguel Cardoso as one of the best coaches in Africa ahead of the club’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup fixture against Al Ahli.

Leon joined the South African club in January last season and made an immediate impact, helping Sundowns win their second African Champions League title. He said Cardoso’s understanding of the continent’s football had been central to that success.

“The coach knows the African game like the back of his hand. He’s reached three Champions League finals. He came out second-best on two occasions, but third time was the charm,” Leon told FIFA.

“Credit where credit’s due for the work he’s done. He’s one of the best coaches on the continent. He knows the game inside out and knows what it takes to be successful. We have to follow his lead. If he makes a mistake, we all make the same mistake.”

Cardoso has been in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns for almost two years, and Leon also highlighted the personal support he received after arriving in South Africa midway through the campaign.

“For me, he’s a top-drawer coach. I like him because he really understands the players,” said the striker.

“If you’re frustrated, he’ll come and have a chat with you, and the same goes if you’re not 100 per cent or you pick up a knock. He’s always looking out for you.

“When I first arrived, he’d call me to see how I was settling in, whether it was in the country, the city, my home or with the team. He was always willing to lend a hand with anything I needed.”

Leon admitted that moving to South Africa was difficult initially, given the distance and cultural differences, but said Mamelodi Sundowns’ facilities, squad and expectations helped him adapt quickly.

“I decided to take the leap and come here, although it was tough at first. When someone mentions moving to South Africa, the first thing that hits you is just how far away it is. It’s a completely different culture,” he said.

But he found himself at what he called “the best club here”, surrounded by players with World Cup and international experience.

“It’s a club that paves the way for the national team and expects to win every trophy possible,” Leon added.

He said his team-mates accepted him immediately and understood the style of play he wanted to bring.

“I told them how I like to play and that I needed their help if we were going to do a clean sweep. And that’s exactly how it went.”

For Leon, however, the African Champions League remained the standout achievement of his first months with the club.

“I came in and ended up winning the biggest competition in African football. That’s where we show why we’re the best team on the continent,” he said.

“I was absolutely over the moon to win the Champions League. When I joined the club, they told me we had to win the tournament, and that’s exactly what we did.”