Motsepe explains why he backed Miguel Cardoso through difficult spell at Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has shed light on his decision to maintain faith in head coach Miguel Cardoso during a turbulent period in the club’s season, insisting that belief in the project and the unity of the squad were key factors behind their eventual success.

Cardoso, who was under significant pressure earlier in the campaign amid reports linking him with a possible exit due to inconsistent domestic results, went on to guide Sundowns to continental glory. The club captured the CAF Champions League title, ending a decade-long wait for Africa’s most prestigious club trophy since their 2016 triumph.

Despite the historic continental success, Sundowns endured a frustrating season domestically, failing to secure any of the available silverware. Their continental campaign, however, proved decisive, as they edged Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat 2–1 on aggregate in the final.

Reflecting on the decision to stick with the Portuguese coach, Motsepe pointed to the internal response of the squad during adversity as a defining factor.

He highlighted the unity within the dressing room, the resilience shown under pressure, and Cardoso’s ability to keep the group aligned amid external criticism.

“I’m not sure if vindication is the feeling that I have, but I feel very, very proud of the coach and of that group,” Motsepe said, stressing that his confidence was rooted in what he observed behind the scenes.

He added that the squad’s reaction to difficult moments, along with the technical team’s efforts, convinced him that the project still had strong foundations despite outside doubts.

“The ambition and the vision that he had… it was very interesting and exciting for me because he spoke a lot about emotions and the individuals,” he noted, describing his early discussions with Cardoso upon his arrival.

Motsepe further emphasized that the team’s breakthrough was not down to a single decision, but rather a collective effort involving players, coaching staff, and technical director Flemming Berg.

“What happened is there was just something that needed to click within the group,” he said, adding that difficult moments ultimately forced the squad to either “sink or swim.”

He concluded by praising the unity that carried the club through the season, stating that the achievement is shared across the entire football structure rather than resting on any single figure.