Miguel Cardoso hails ‘beautiful challenge’ as Mamelodi Sundowns reach back-to-back CAF Champions League finals

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has described his side’s demanding run-in as “a hell of a challenge, but a beautiful thing to do,” after the South African giants secured a place in the final of the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns, who still have seven domestic league matches and a two-legged continental final ahead of them, continue to compete on multiple fronts in a season that has stretched their squad and tested their depth.

Speaking after confirming another place in Africa’s biggest club final, Cardoso reflected on both the pressure and the pride of the moment.

“What is a hell of a challenge, but a beautiful thing to do also,” he said, acknowledging the demanding schedule awaiting his team.

The Portuguese coach expressed his delight at guiding Sundowns to a second consecutive final, insisting the achievement aligns with the club’s long-term ambitions.

“I’m so very excited about the moment. Two finals in a row, so I think that was exactly the objective of people that brought us inside the club, to try to create the right energy, the right mindset, the right approach, so that we could be stronger and put the club in the highest level. I think that is exactly where we are now,” Cardoso said.

He added that Sundowns’ consistent presence among Africa’s elite teams reflects years of steady progress and ambition.

“In the last few years, we’ve been among the most important teams in Africa. We’ve been doing a hell of a job, a very beautiful job I think, that is a milestone, an unbelievable milestone,” he noted.

Cardoso concluded with a mix of pride and focus, acknowledging the significance of the achievement while already turning his attention to the task ahead.

“That was a dream where we came into Africa that we made as an objective. So we feel very proud. The sense of satisfaction, I think, this night will be one of the best nights of my life, for sure, but I will wake up tomorrow with the energy to continue to work,” he said.

Sundowns now shift focus to a packed calendar, with domestic title ambitions running alongside preparations for what promises to be a high-stakes Champions League final campaign.

They will face Moroccan side, AS FAR, in the final of the Champions League.