Cardoso hails Mamelodi Sundowns’ historic global breakthrough

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says he is proud to have placed the club and South Africa in the history books after their 2-1 victory over Al-Ahli Saudi in the African-Asia-Pacific Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

Nuno Santos scored twice as the African champions overcame the Saudi Arabian side to reach the next stage of the competition, strengthening their hopes of earning a place in the final against European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Mamelodi Sundowns will now face the winner of the derby of the Americas between Mexico’s Toluca and the winners of the Copa Libertadores. If they win that semi-final, they will meet PSG in the final later this year.

The result marked another significant achievement for the South African club, who are attempting to make a deep run in an international competition featuring champions from across the world.

“I’m obviously proud to put the name of the club on this platform. Proud to put the name of SA on this platform,” Cardoso said.

“It is also important from our side that we put the continent on the platform that needs to be put on its own. So, Africa in general has amazing football and it is an opportunity for us to project the football.

“I have to confess, I’m very humble, but at the same time, with the accomplishment, I don’t think it’s easy to express.”

Cardoso said the players’ commitment during preparations had been central to the victory, particularly against an Al-Ahli Saudi team he described as difficult to control.

“To win, I depended on the way these players embraced the preparations of the match,” he said. “How they understood, how difficult it was because this team is difficult to control.

“Not with the quality of the players but the game they play, but how they have to take it to the limit. Players like [Thabang] Matuludi, as you said, didn’t make more than whoever or others.

“They just embraced the collective idea and gave their best individually in service of the collective.”

Cardoso also dedicated the victory to the late Jayden Adams, saying the midfielder remained an important presence for him and the team.

“I want to leave a special word in memory of Jayden Adams. I think it’s a fantastic moment to honour him and dedicate this medal to his soul,” he said.

“He’s always with us and he’s always with me. I must confess that I struggled a lot with his death, and we promised ourselves that the best thing we could do is to fight together and honour him throughout our journey together.

“Today was an important step in that direction and before the match.”