Miguel Cardoso rules out Al Ahly talks as Sundowns focus on continental ambitions

Miguel Cardoso says he cannot discuss previous negotiations with Al Ahly because he remains committed to his two-year contract with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Portuguese coach said he would be honoured to manage Al Ahly, but insisted his priority was the project at Sundowns, after leading the South African club to the Three Continents Cup.

Sundowns beat Saudi Arabian side Al Ahly 2-1 to win the competition. Speaking to Modern Sport, Cardoso described the final as a major test against a team packed with high-quality players.

“It was a big challenge for us to face Al Ahly Saudi, who have a squad full of stars,” he said. “Continuing to win and lifting the Three Continents Cup against Asian teams is a great achievement and a source of pride for the African continent.”

“The most important thing in football is to put all our ideas into improving the performance. That is how we managed to achieve this valuable victory.”

Sundowns will next wait for the winner of the Americas derby, who they will face in the Challenge Cup of the Intercontinental Cup.

“It will certainly be a very difficult match,” said Cardoso. “We know the financial power of those clubs is much greater than ours, but we will try to give everything we have to win.”

He added that Sundowns’ ambitions extended beyond the Intercontinental Cup, with the African Super Cup and their CAF Champions League fixtures also demanding attention.

Regarding the defence of their Champions League title, Cardoso said: “We are focusing first on the last 32 of the CAF Champions League in order to qualify for the group stage. Then we will think about defending the title.”

Asked about the absence of Egyptian club Al Ahly, he said African football recognised their stature, but pointed to Zamalek and Pyramids FC as Egypt’s representatives in the competition after their strong league performances.

“We all know Al Ahly’s status in African football. The Champions League includes the strongest teams, but Zamalek and Pyramids also represent Egypt because of their superiority in the league. We respect all teams from every country,” he said.

Cardoso said his contract prevented him from considering approaches from other clubs.

“I have a two-year contract with Sundowns and I am committed to it, so I cannot discuss negotiations with any team,” he said. “I certainly respect Al Ahly and it would be a great honour to coach them, but I respect my contract and am now focused on Sundowns’ project. I am happy to be part of this club.”

He praised Sundowns’ recruitment policy and said the club was seeking to build a strong, high-quality squad from South African and overseas players.

Cardoso also welcomed the emergence of African-born young players in Europe, including Hamza Abdelkarim at Barcelona.

“It is important for Hamza Abdelkarim to have enough maturity to develop, make the most of his opportunities and accept the challenge of achieving his best,” he said.

The coach identified Egypt and Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour as his favourite Egyptian player, praising his style and ability. However, he said Sundowns currently had no opportunity to add an Egyptian player to their squad.

The Three Continents Cup was Cardoso’s third trophy with Sundowns, following the CAF Champions League and the South African league title.

Al Ahly Saudi have now lost the competition in consecutive years. They were beaten 3-1 by Pyramids FC in last year’s final.