Thabo Cele explains why adapting to Miguel Cardoso at Mamelodi Sundowns was straightforward

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thabo Cele says Miguel Cardoso’s intense approach and constant demand for improvement have helped him settle quickly at the club.

Cele joined the Brazilians as a free agent during the recent transfer window after ending his two-year spell with Kaizer Chiefs. Despite arriving at a new club, the midfielder says Cardoso’s methods have made the transition to life under the Portuguese coach a smooth one.

“He is very passionate and very focused, and he is always challenging us to improve,” Cele said.

“Sometimes you think you are doing well, and then he comes in and says, ‘More, more, more.’ It is a good experience working with him and seeing the type of coach he is for the team.”

Cele has already been part of a successful period at Mamelodi Sundowns, although his involvement in the two finals has varied.

The midfielder was an unused substitute when Sundowns faced Al Ahli Saudi in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup final. He then made his club debut against Orlando Pirates in the Wafa Wafa final, coming on as a substitute.

Sundowns went on to win both the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and the MTN8, giving Cele two trophies early in his time with the Tshwane club.

His previous experience abroad has also helped him communicate within Cardoso’s technical setup. Cele played in Portugal for Real SC, Benfica B and Cova da Piedade before moving to Poland to join Radomiak.

During his time in Portugal, he learned to speak Portuguese. That has proved useful at Sundowns because Cardoso and several members of his technical team speak the language.

Cele believes Cardoso’s passion for football is central to the demanding environment he has created. The coach’s insistence that players continue improving, even when they feel they have performed well, has shaped Cele’s early experience at the club.

The midfielder’s arrival followed two seasons at Kaizer Chiefs, but his move to Mamelodi Sundowns has quickly brought silverware and an introduction to the demands of working under Cardoso.