Feutmba: Cardoso has earned new Mamelodi Sundowns deal

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Roger Feutmba says head coach Miguel Cardoso deserves the contract extension that will keep him at the club until June 2028.

The Portuguese coach has led the Brazilians to two major trophies, overseeing their CAF Champions League success earlier this year before guiding them to the MTN8 title.

Cardoso’s new agreement at Chloorkop follows a period in which Sundowns have strengthened their position domestically and in Africa. Feutmba believes the coach’s achievements justify the club’s decision to extend his stay.

“Cardoso deserves it. I can certainly say that we achieved a lot. By winning the Champions League, he just won the MTN8 trophy. A trophy we have been looking for so long,” Feutmba told Soccer Laduma.

“So, we have to give him credit. We have to give him credit,” he added.

Feutmba acknowledged that Cardoso’s approach was not immediately easy to adapt to, given the style of football Sundowns had previously become accustomed to. However, he said the success delivered by the coach ultimately had to be judged by results.

“Even though in the beginning it was a little bit challenging, considering the type of football we are used to. But today, like I say, football is about results. It’s also true that last season we didn’t win the league.

“But if you look at it closely, you can certainly say that by winning the Champions League, by winning the top eight, and by being on top there, because today Sundowns is the best in Africa. And his contribution as a coach is massive,” he said.

Sundowns did not win the league last season, but Feutmba pointed to their continental triumph, MTN8 success and leading position as evidence of Cardoso’s impact.

He also stressed that the achievements had been made possible by the collective work of everyone involved at the club, while recognising Cardoso’s responsibility as head coach.

“Even though to reach that level, you need the contribution of everyone involved in the project. But it’s about the results, and it’s him who is in charge. With the technical team, you have to say congratulations to them for what they have achieved so far. He deserves the extension. He deserves the support of everybody within the club and all the supporters.”

The former Cameroon international also backed Cardoso and his technical team to help Sundowns reclaim the league title from Orlando Pirates this season.

“Yes, we can do that. Sundowns is a very consistent team. Very consistent team. So, we just need to keep that fire burning. We just need to keep that motivation going,” Feutmba said.

“We need to make sure that everyone within the club remains focused. We just work, work, work very hard. You know, every day, even if you are successful, you continue to have to be focused.”